certify
Definitions
To state officially, especially in writing, that something is true or meets a standard.
（正式，常以书面）证明；证实。
To give someone an official document showing they are qualified.
给……发证；认证（资格）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcerti (from certus, 'certain') + -fy (from facere, 'to make') = literally 'to make certain.' To certify is to put official authority behind a fact so it counts as settled — a notary certifies a signature, a board certifies a doctor.
Root cert still carries 11 more wordsWhy It Means This
certify is the action verb at the heart of certificate and certification: all three share the hidden fac ('make'). When you certify, you don't just believe a thing — you make it official, so others can rely on it. That official weight is why a 'certified copy' counts where a plain copy does not.
Common Collocations
- 1.certify that证明……
- 2.certified copy核证副本
- 3.certified by经……认证
- 4.certify authenticity证明真实性
Example Sentences
- 1.
A doctor must certify that the patient is fit to fly.
- 2.
The lab is certified to test for these chemicals.
- 3.
She is a certified public accountant.
Easily Confused
certify vs verify — verify means to check that something is true (verify the figures); certify means to officially declare it true so others can rely on it (a notary certifies). You verify privately; you certify with authority.