certificate

[ noun ser-tif-i-kit; verb ser-tif-i-keyt ]

noun

1. a document serving as evidence or as written testimony, as of status, qualifications, privileges, or the truth of something.
2. a document attesting to the fact that a person has completed an educational course, issued either by an institution not authorized to grant diplomas, or to a student not qualifying for a diploma.
3. Law. a statement, written and signed, which is by law made evidence of the truth of the facts stated, for all or for certain purposes.
4. Finance.
   1. gold certificate.
   2. silver certificate.

verb (used with object)

, cer·tif·i·cat·ed, cer·tif·i·cat·ing.

1. to furnish with or authorize by a certificate.
2. to issue an official certificate attesting to the training, aptitude, and qualification of:

   to certificate a teacher.

certificate

noun

1. an official document attesting the truth of the facts stated, as of birth, marital status, death, health, completion of an academic course, ability to practise a profession, etc
2. short for share certificate

verb

1. tr to authorize by or present with an official document

Derived Forms

• cerˈtificatory, adjective

Other Words From

• cer·tif·i·ca·to·ry [ser-, tif, -, uh, -ki-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• noncer·tifi·cated adjective
• uncer·tifi·cated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of certificate¹

1375–1425; late Middle English certificat < Medieval Latin certificātum, noun use of neuter of certificātus certified (past participle of certificāre ), equivalent to certific- ( certify ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of certificate¹

C15: from Old French certificat, from certifier certify

Example Sentences

In each expedition, Poulain would first validate the age of alleged centenarians by examining census information, birth and death records, marriage certificates, and other official documents.

From Science Magazine

It comes with a certificate of authenticity and installation instructions for owners to replace the banana — if they wish — whenever it rots.

From New York Times

Currently, UK adults can get a gender recognition certificate if they meet certain criteria including a diagnosis of gender dysphoria.

From BBC

A law introduced in February banned people from owning XL bully breeds without an exemption certificate.

From BBC

But with its five-year survey due and certificates expiring, the cost and time required to keep the ship sailing was not considered feasible.

From BBC

Related Words

• affidavit
• authentication
• authorization
• certification
• coupon
• credential
• deed
• diploma
• documentation
• guarantee
• license
• paper
• permit
• receipt
• ticket
• voucher
• warrant
• warranty