Meaning

Sure in one's mind, positive; absolutely confident in the truth of something..

Definitions by Sense

1. Sure in one's mind, positive; absolutely confident in the truth of something.
2. Not to be doubted or denied; established as a fact.
3. Sure to happen, inevitable; assured.
4. Unfailing; infallible.
5. Fixed; regular; determinate.
6. Particular and definite, but unspecified or unnamed; used to introduce someone or something without going into further detail.
7. (euphemistic, preceded by "a") Used to denote that the speaker is referring to a specific person or thing that they do not want to name directly, implying that the listener should infer the identity of the referent.
8. (preceded by "a", of a person) Named but not previously mentioned.

Example Sentences

I was certain of my decision.

[…] I think, nay, I may say that I'm sartain, we'll have a hurricane afore morning. It's not the first time I've cruised in these latitudes.

Now that more experiments have been run, the theory is certain and the argument is settled.

[…]the dreame is certaine, and the interpretation thereof ſure.

It is certain that Spain will reach the finals. / Spain is now certain to reach the finals. / Spain is now certain of a place in the finals.

Bankruptcy is the certain outcome of your constant gambling and lending.

[…]death (as the Pſalmiſt ſaith) is certaine to all, all ſhall die.

How vain is Virtue which directs our ways Through certain danger to uncertain praiſe!

Word Forms

• more certain
• certainer
• most certain
• certainest
• certaine
• certayne
• certeine

Synonyms for certain

Antonyms for certain

Related Words

When Should You Use Certain?

Use certain when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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