Main Entry: cer·ti·fy

Pronunciation: \ˈsər-tə-ˌfī\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): cer·ti·fied; cer·ti·fy·ing

Etymology: Middle English certifien, from Anglo-French certefier, from Late Latin certificare, from Latin certus certain — more at certain

Date: 14th century

1 : to attest authoritatively: as a : confirm b : to present in formal communication c : to attest as being true or as represented or as meeting a standard d : to attest officially to the insanity of
2 : to inform with certainty : assure
3 : to guarantee (a personal check) as to signature and amount by so indicating on the face
4 : to recognize as having met special qualifications (as of a governmental agency or professional board) within a field <agencies that certify teachers>

— cer·ti·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun

synonyms certify, attest, witness, vouch mean to testify to the truth or genuineness of something. certify usually applies to a written statement, especially one carrying a signature or seal <certified that the candidate had met all requirements>. attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses <attested to the authenticity of the document>. witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness <witnessed the signing of the will>. vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person <willing to vouch for her integrity>.

synonyms see in addition approve