certify Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
    attest; demonstrate; evidence; manifest.
    • His high fever attested to his illness
    • The buildings in Rome manifest a high level of architectural sophistication
    • This decision demonstrates his sense of fairness
  2. verb guarantee payment on; of checks
  3. verb authorize officially
    licence; license.
    • I am licensed to practice law in this state
  4. verb guarantee as meeting a certain standard
    indorse; endorse.
    • certified grade AAA meat
  5. verb declare legally insane

WordNet

Cer"ti*fy transitive verb
Etymology
F. certifier, LL. certificare; L. certus certain + facere to make. See Certain, and cf. Certificate, v. t.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Certified ; present participle & verbal noun Certifying
Definitions
  1. To give cetain information to; to assure; to make certain.
    We certify the king, that . . . thou shalt have no portion on this side the river. Ezra iv. 16.
  2. To give certain information of; to make certain, as a fact; to verify. Hammond.
    The industry of science at once certifies and greatly extends our knowledge of the vastness of the creation. I. Taylor.
  3. To testify to in writing; to make a declaration concerning, in writing, under hand, or hand and seal.
    The judges shall certify their opinion to the chancellor, and upon such certificate the decree is usually founded. Blackstone.

Webster 1913