certify
gb/sˈɚtəfˌaɪ/ us/sˈɚtəfˌaɪ/
B2
English
~ 4600
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
Officially confirm something is true
To say in an official way that something is true or correct.
Usage pattern:
to certify [something] as [true/correct/safe]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'certify' with 'certificate'. 'Certify' is the action; a 'certificate' is the document you receive.
Synonyms
validate (Often used in technical or procedural contexts to confirm correctness or legality.)
Antonyms
disprove (To show that something is not true or correct.)
Collocations
certify the results
|certify the accuracy
|certify compliance
|certify authenticity
Themes
business
|law
|documentation
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The inspector certified that the building was safe for occupation.
- The lab certified the purity of the water samples.
- The bank certified the check before processing it.
- The teacher certified the student's attendance record.
- An expert certified the painting as genuine.
Learner examples
- The doctor certified the man was healthy.
- The school certified her exam results.
- The shop certified the gold ring was real.
- The company certified the product was safe.
Verb
B2
action
2
Officially approve someone's qualifications
To say in an official way that a person has the skills or knowledge for a job or activity.
Usage pattern:
to certify [someone] as [a role/qualified]
Common mistake:
Some learners mistakenly use 'certify' when they mean 'train'. Training is the process; certifying is the official approval after training.
Synonyms
accredit (Often used for institutions or programs, but also for individuals in certain professions.)
Antonyms
disqualify (To officially declare someone not suitable for a role or activity.)
Collocations
certify a teacher
|certify a nurse
|certify a mechanic
|certify a pilot
Themes
education
|employment
|training
|work
|business
Examples
- The board certified her as a licensed architect.
- Only certified electricians are allowed to work on this project.
- The association certified him as a fitness trainer.
- The agency certified hundreds of new teachers this year.
Learner examples
- The school certified her as a teacher.
- They certified him as a driver.
- The group certified her as a guide.
- We certified him as a coach.
Verb
formal
C1
action
3
Formally declare in writing
To write and sign to say something is true, often for law or rules.
Usage pattern:
to certify in writing that [clause]
Synonyms
attest (More common in formal and legal contexts, especially with signed documents.)
Antonyms
deny (To state that something is not true, often opposing a certification.)
Collocations
certify under oath
|certify in writing
|certify the statement
Themes
law
|administration
|communication
|business
Examples
- I hereby certify that the above information is accurate.
- She certified under oath that she had never met the defendant.
- The clerk certified the document before it was filed.
Learner examples
- I certify this letter is true.
- He certified the note was correct.
- She certified her name on the form.
Grammar
Dictionary form
certify
IPA
GB/sˈɚtəfˌaɪ/
US/sˈɚtəfˌaɪ/
Syllables & stress
cer - ti - fy (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cer)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: certify
- 3rd Person Singular: certifies
- Present Participle: certifying
- Past: certified
Word family
Forms
certifies
verb
certifying
verb
certified
verb
Core family
certificate
noun A2
certification
noun B1
Related words
certifier
noun
certifiable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
uncertified
adjective
decertify
verb
Advanced or less common
recertify
verb
recertification
noun
Expressions
certified copy
1/sˈɚtəfˌaɪd kˈɑpi/
fixed phrase
Officially verified document copy
A copy of a paper that is checked and signed to show it is the same as the original.
Examples
- We need a certified copy of your birth certificate.
- She brought a certified copy of her degree for the application.
certified mail
1/sˈɚtəfˌaɪd mˈeɪl/
fixed phrase
Postal service with proof of delivery
A type of mail that gives proof it was sent and received.
Examples
- You should send those documents by certified mail to be safe.
- The lawyer requested that all notices be sent via certified mail.
get certified
1/ɡˈɛt sˈɚtəfˌaɪd/
fixed phrase
Obtain official qualification recognition
To pass tests or meet rules so you can work in a job or activity.
Examples
- He wants to get certified as a scuba diving instructor.
- You must get certified before handling hazardous materials.