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

The research used computer modeling that was then verified by experimental data.

From Science Daily

We plan to publish some of the responses, but we won’t publish any part of yours without following up with you, verifying your information and hearing back from you.

From New York Times

The BBC has not been able to verify independently the contradicting figures.

From BBC

Footage from the city verified by the BBC showed massive destruction, with residential buildings heavily damaged.

From BBC

Hegseth later paid her, in exchange for a non-disclosure agreement, but the Post verified the police had investigated the incident without filing charges.

From Salon

Related Words

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