confirmation

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noun con·fir·ma·tion \ˌkän-fər-ˈmā-shən\

Definition of confirmation

1 : an act or process of confirming: such asa (1) : a Christian rite conferring the gift of the Holy Spirit and among Protestants full church membership (2) : a ceremony especially of Reform Judaism confirming youths in their faithb : the ratification of an executive act by a legislative body the confirmation of a Supreme Court nominee
2a : confirming proof : corroboration found confirmation of a theory The report needed confirmation.b : the process of supporting a statement by evidence

confirmational

play \ˌkän-fər-ˈmā-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

See confirmation defined for English-language learners

See confirmation defined for kids

Examples of confirmation in a Sentence

Reporters awaited confirmation from the army about the battle.
We don't have independent confirmation of the facts.
Final confirmation came only after the investigation was completed.
You will receive an e-mail confirmation of your order.
You will receive confirmation of your order by e-mail.
Many senators are opposed to his confirmation as a federal judge.

Recent Examples of confirmation from the Web

Two previous nominees, businessman Vincent Viola and Tennessee State Sen. Mark Green, both withdrew from consideration before confirmation hearings.

— leada gore, AL.com, "Raytheon VP to be nominated as Army Secretary," 19 July 2017
But apart from a stunning look at them and confirmation of their names, little is still known about the Carter-Knowles additions.

— melissa minton, Glamour, "The Inspiration for Rumi Carter's Name Was Just Explained by Tina Knowles," 17 July 2017
The show has been dropping subtle confirmations of this theory (commonly called R+L=J, or Rhaegar+Lyanna=Jon) ever since Season 1.

— joanna robinson, HWD, "Did a Game of Thrones Star Just Confirm a Favorite Fan Theory?," 12 July 2017
Hutchison is a safe bet for confirmation, barring any unforeseen developments.

— abby livingston, star-telegram, "Trump nominates Kay Bailey Hutchison to be NATO ambassador," 29 June 2017
Please include phone number and email address for confirmation.

— Naperville Sun, "Letters to the editor: Roundup, Naper Settlement, Carillon, dog rescue," 29 June 2017
Contributors will receive a letter of confirmation for tax purposes.

— staff report, The Aegis, "Hope for the Homeless fashion show raises $1,000 for shelter," 29 June 2017
While there’s no confirmation on what Justin’s feet smell like (Timbits?

— peggy truong, Cosmopolitan, "You Can Own Justin Bieber’s Right Yeezy for a Cool $5,700," 28 June 2017
Warmbier, who died after returning home from a year and a half in a North Korean prison, became a symbol for those on the far left and far right - a confirmation of indulgent narratives, real or imagined.

— monroe trombly, Cincinnati.com, "While family mourned, left and right seized on Otto Warmbier," 26 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'confirmation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of confirmation

see confirm

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First Known Use: 14th century

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CONFIRMATION Defined for English Language Learners

confirmation

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noun

Definition of confirmation for English Language Learners

: proof which shows that something is true or correct
: a response which shows that information is received and understood; especially : a response that makes a purchase, appointment, etc., definite or official
: the act of giving official approval to something or someone

CONFIRMATION Defined for Kids

confirmation

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noun con·fir·ma·tion \ˌkän-fər-ˈmā-shən\

Definition of confirmation for Students

1 : an act of ensuring the truth of, strengthening, or approving
2 : a religious ceremony admitting a person to full privileges in a church or synagogue
3 : something that ensures the truth of, strengthens, or approves He received a confirmation of his order.

Law Dictionary

confirmation

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noun con·fir·ma·tion \ˌkän-fər-ˈmā-shən\

Legal Definition of confirmation

1 : the act or process of confirming, assuring, or upholding seeking confirmation of the agreement; specifically : the ratification of an executive act by a legislative body senate confirmation of the Supreme Court nominee
2 : something that confirms: as a : an express or implied contract by which a person makes a voidable agreement binding; specifically : a definite expression or written memorandum that verifies or substantiates an agreement previously made orally or informally b in the civil law of Louisiana : a declaration whereby a person corrects the parts of an obligation that are null to make them enforceable c : a conveyance by which valid title to an estate is transferred to a person already in possession or by which an estate is increased