ratify

[ rat-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, rat·i·fied, rat·i·fy·ing.

1. to confirm by expressing consent, approval, or formal sanction:

   to ratify a constitutional amendment.

   Synonyms: approve, corroborate

   Antonyms: disapprove, veto

2. to confirm (something done or arranged by an agent or by representatives) by such action.

   Synonyms: establish, validate

ratify

/ ˈrætɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. tr to give formal approval or consent to

Derived Forms

• ˈratiˌfier, noun
• ˈratiˌfiable, adjective
• ˌratifiˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• rat·i·fi·er noun
• non·rat·i·fy·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratify¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English ratifien, from Middle French ratifier, from Medieval Latin ratificāre, equivalent to Latin rat(us) “calculated” ( rate ¹ ) + -ificāre -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratify¹

C14: via Old French from Latin ratus fixed (see rate ¹) + facere to make

Example Sentences

If his nomination is ratified by the Senate, he will lead a huge agency overseeing everything from food safety to medical research and welfare programmes.

From BBC

The UK government says the accord, which it hopes to ratify next year, will end legal uncertainty over the islands following international rulings backing Mauritian claims to sovereignty.

From BBC

This was ratified by the US Senate, almost unanimously, in 1992.

From BBC

On Wednesday, Russian lawmakers will vote to ratify a mutual defence treaty with North Korea, first proposed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's lavish visit to Pyongyang in June.

From BBC

Proposals are due to be ratified by its policy board on 18 November to limit full PGA Tour membership and tournament field sizes.

From BBC

Related Words

• approve
• confirm
• endorse
• establish
• okay
• sign
• uphold