certificate

American  

[ser-tif-i-kit, ser-tif-i-keyt] / sərˈtɪf ɪ kɪt, sərˈtɪf ɪˌkeɪt /

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.

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verb (used with object)

certificated, certificating

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 British  

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

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• certificatory adjective
• noncertificated adjective
• uncertificated adjective

Etymology

Origin of certificate

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

Example Sentences

The markets already are calling the potential Scottish bonds “kilts,” a play on the word used for British bonds, named “gilts” after the gilded borders on old bond certificates.

From The Wall Street Journal

“That’s my baby going across the bar on the tray. When someone takes a picture, it’s like a birth certificate,” she says.

From Salon

The first home to be rebuilt in the wake of the Palisades fire — a two-story home on Kagawa Street — received a certificate of occupancy on Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

In the Palisades, the first certificate of occupancy was issued recently for a “showcase” home that was built to market the work of the development company.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the temple's manager said the brother did not have a death certificate.

From BBC

Related Words

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