certificate
Definitions
An official document that confirms a fact or qualification.
证书；证明书。
(formal) To provide with an official certificate.
（正式）给……发证书。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcerti (from certus, 'certain') + fic (weakened fac, 'make') + -ate = 'thing that makes certain.' A certificate is the physical proof that a fact has been made official — birth, marriage, or a qualification all need a piece of paper that settles the matter.
Root cert still carries 11 more wordsUsage Guide
Watch the noun/verb split. As a noun (the common use): cer-TIF-i-cat, ending /-kət/. As the formal verb 'to certificate': cer-TIF-i-cate, ending /-keɪt/. In everyday English the verb is rare — people say certify, not certificate, for the action.
Example Sentences
- 1.
You'll need your birth certificate to apply for a passport.
- 2.
She earned a certificate in graphic design.
- 3.
The painting comes with a certificate of authenticity.