First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1certain
adjective cer·tain \ˈsər-tən\
: not having any doubt about something : convinced or sure
—used with it to say that something is known to be true or correct
—used to refer to something or someone that is not named specifically
Full Definition of CERTAIN
2
: of a specific but unspecified character, quantity, or degree <the house has a certain charm>
3
a : dependable, reliable <a certain remedy for the disease> b : known or proved to be true : indisputable <it is certain that we exist>
4
a : inevitable <the certain advance of age> b : incapable of failing : destined —used with a following infinitive <she is certain to do well>
5
: assured in mind or action <I am certain they are right>
— of a certain age
: of a somewhat advanced age : no longer young <remembered by people of a certain age>
See certain defined for English-language learners
See certain defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CERTAIN
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *certanus, from Latin certus, from past participle of cernere to sift, discern, decide; akin to Greek krinein to separate, decide, judge, Old Irish criathar sieve
Related to CERTAIN
Synonym Discussion of CERTAIN
sure, certain, positive, cocksure mean having no doubt or uncertainty. sure usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance <felt sure that I had forgotten something>. certain may apply to a basing of a conclusion or conviction on definite grounds or indubitable evidence <police are certain about the cause of the fire>. positive intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it <I'm positive that's the person I saw>. cocksure implies presumptuous or careless positiveness <you're always so cocksure about everything>.
Rhymes with CERTAIN
2certain
pronoun, plural in construction
Definition of CERTAIN
: certain ones
First Known Use of CERTAIN
15th century
Rhymes with CERTAIN
FOR CERTAIN Defined for Kids
1certain
adjective cer·tain \ˈsər-tən\
Definition of CERTAIN for Kids
1
: without any doubt : sure <Are you certain you saw her?>
2
: known to be true <It's certain that they were here.>
3
: known but not named <A certain person told me.>
4
: being fixed or settled <a certain percentage of the profit>
5
: bound by the way things are <Our plan is certain to succeed.>
6
: sure to have an effect <a certain cure>
2certain
pronoun
Definition of CERTAIN for Kids
: known ones that are not named <Certain of the students could work harder.>
Learn More About CERTAIN
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up certain? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).