verify

[ ver-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, ver·i·fied, ver·i·fy·ing.

1. to prove the truth of, as by evidence or testimony; confirm; substantiate:

   Events verified his prediction.

2. to ascertain the truth or correctness of, as by examination, research, or comparison:

   to verify a spelling.

   Synonyms: validate, authenticate

3. to act as ultimate proof or evidence of; serve to confirm.
4. Law.
   1. to prove or confirm (an allegation).
   2. to state to be true, especially in legal use, formally or upon oath.

verify

/ ˈvɛrɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to prove to be true; confirm; substantiate
2. to check or determine the correctness or truth of by investigation, reference, etc
3. law to add a verification to (a pleading); substantiate or confirm (an oath)

Derived Forms

• ˈveriˌfiableness, noun
• ˈveriˌfiable, adjective
• ˈveriˌfier, noun
• ˈveriˌfiably, adverb

Other Words From

• veri·fia·bili·ty veri·fia·ble·ness noun
• veri·fia·ble adjective
• veri·fier noun
• non·veri·fia·ble adjective
• pre·veri·fy verb (used with object) preverified preverifying
• re·veri·fy verb (used with object) reverified reverifying
• unver·i·fia·bili·ty noun
• un·veri·fiable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of verify¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English verifien, from Middle French verifier, from Medieval Latin vērificāre, from vēri- (combining form of vērus “true”) + -ficāre -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of verify¹

C14: from Old French verifier, from Medieval Latin vērificāre, from Latin vērus true + facere to make

Example Sentences

It is hard to verify these accounts, but they are consistent, and echo evidence in a 2022 UN report which reported torture and forced labour in detention centres in Xinjiang.

From BBC

Mrs Mason also described what she believed was a drone being intercepted, though the BBC has not been able to verify this.

From BBC

Before you hit the ‘like’ or ‘share’, be thoughtful of the news you consume and make sure to verify the original source of the report as credible.

From Salon

You can use verified domain checkers to confirm when a website was created, Which? said.

From BBC

The Welsh government urged people to use verified sources such as Sexual Health Wales Online to help them inform their decisions.

From BBC

Related Words

• authenticate
• certify
• check
• corroborate
• demonstrate
• double-check
• establish
• find out
• justify
• prove
• substantiate