certify

/ˌsʌrdəˈfaɪ/

/ˈsʌtɪfaɪ/

Other forms: certified; certifying; certifies

To certify is to provide proof for something or to license someone, like a lawyer. You can certify a lawyer or certify that someone’s insane. Either way, when you certify something, you make it official.

To certify is to have evidence that something is true, to make certain. If you certify that you own a house, you prove it's yours. Vouching for a friend can certify that the friend is a good person. Professionals like lawyers, doctors, and accountants must be certified. Being certified assures others that the person is qualified. Certify also refers to declaring someone legally insane, so make sure your doctor is certified by the medical board, not the loony bin.

Definitions of certify

1. verb

   provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
   synonyms: attest, demonstrate, evidence, manifest

   attest

   establish or verify the usage of

   types:

   authenticate

   establish the authenticity of something

   reflect

   give evidence of

   reflect

   give evidence of a certain behavior

   notarise, notarize

   authenticate as a notary

   condemn

   demonstrate the guilt of (someone)

   prove

   obtain probate of

   mirror

   reflect or resemble

   attaint

   condemn by attainder

   type of:

   bear witness, evidence, prove, show, testify

   provide evidence for
2. verb

   guarantee as meeting a certain standard
   “certified grade AAA meat”

   synonyms: endorse, indorse

   type of:

   guarantee, warrant

   stand behind and guarantee the quality, accuracy, or condition of
3. verb

   authorize officially
   synonyms: licence, license

   antonyms:

   decertify

   cause to be no longer approved or accepted

   types:

   franchise

   grant a franchise to

   charter

   grant a charter to

   accredit, recognise, recognize

   grant credentials to

   type of:

   authorise, authorize, clear, pass

   grant authorization or clearance for
4. verb

   guarantee payment on; of checks
   type of:

   secure

   assure payment of
5. verb

   declare legally insane
   type of:

   adjudge, declare, hold

   declare to be