- certify
- transitive verb
(-fied; -fying)
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> • certifier 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>. Synonym: see in addition approve.
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.