certain
gb/sˈɚtən/ us/sˈɚtən/
B1
Kiingereza
~ 500
Maana
maana 0
adjective
B1
state
1
Sure about something
Feeling sure that something is true or will happen.
Muundo wa matumizi:
[someone] is certain (that) [clause]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners sometimes confuse 'certain' with 'sure' and overuse one form; 'certain' is slightly more formal than 'sure'.
Visawe
sure (Slightly more common in everyday conversation, especially in American English.)
Vinyume
uncertain (Indicates doubt or lack of confidence about something.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
absolutely certain
|quite certain
|certain about
|certain that
Mada
emotions
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- I’m certain we left the keys on the table.
- She’s certain that she saw him at the party.
- Are you certain this is the right address?
- He seemed certain of his decision.
- They are certain it will rain tomorrow.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- I am certain this is my bag.
- She is certain she can help.
- He is certain they will come.
- We are certain about our choice.
adjective
B2
property
2
Specific but unnamed
Used to talk about a specific person or thing without giving details.
Muundo wa matumizi:
a certain [person/thing/place]
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners may mistakenly think 'a certain' means 'any' rather than 'a specific but unnamed'.
Visawe
particular (Emphasizes individuality or specificity; often interchangeable but 'particular' may sound more formal.)
Vinyume
unspecified (Indicates that no specific person or thing is meant.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
a certain amount
|a certain type
|a certain way
Mada
communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- A certain man called while you were out.
- We need a certain amount of time to finish.
- There’s a certain charm to old houses.
- She spoke with a certain authority.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- A certain boy is waiting outside.
- We need a certain tool for this job.
- There is a certain smell in this room.
adjective
B2
property
3
Inevitable or guaranteed
Something that will definitely happen.
Visawe
inevitable (Formal and emphasizes impossibility of avoiding something.)
Vinyume
uncertain (Implies that the outcome is not guaranteed.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
certain death
|certain victory
|certain success
Mada
daily life
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- Failure was certain if they didn’t act quickly.
- With this plan, success is almost certain.
- His injury made defeat certain.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- Rain is certain tomorrow.
- Victory was certain for the team.
- It is certain we will meet again.
Sarufi
Umbo la kamusi
certain
IPA
GB/sˈɚtən/
US/sˈɚtən/
Silabi na mkazo
cer - tain (silabi 2)
Stress on 1st syllable (cer)
Maumbo ya neno
Adjective
- Base: certain
Familia ya neno
Semi
a certain amount of
1/ə sˈɚtən əmˈaʊnt əv/
fixed phrase
Specific but unspecified quantity
Some amount, but not said exactly how much.
Mifano
- There’s a certain amount of risk involved.
- The job requires a certain amount of skill.
for certain
1/fɚ sˈɚtən/
fixed phrase
Without any doubt
Knowing something completely and without any doubt.
Mifano
- I know for certain that she was there.
- We can’t say for certain what happened.
to make certain
1/tə mˈeɪk sˈɚtən/
fixed phrase
Ensure something happens or is true
To do something so that you are sure it will happen or is correct.
Mifano
- Please make certain all the doors are locked.
- I checked twice to make certain we had enough tickets.