Meaning of certain
certain means "sure or confident about something."
certain -
adjective
sure, confident
▪She is certain about her decision.
▪She is sure about her choice.
▪I am certain he will come.
▪I am sure he will come.
Synonyms
▪ sure – confident
▪ positive – sure
▪ confident – sure
▪ convinced – sure
Native pronunciation
certain [ˈsɜːr.tən]
The adjective has the stress on the first syllable "cer" and sounds like "ser-tuhn."
certain
- Part of speech
Meanings of certain by part of speech
▪ adjective -
sure, confident
Changes in the part of speech for certain
▪ certainty (noun) – the state of being sure
▪ certainly (adverb) – without a doubt
▪ uncertain (adjective) – not sure
Common expressions of certain by part of speech
▪ certain about – sure about
▪ certain of – sure of
▪ certain that – sure that
▪ make certain – ensure
Differences between certain and similar words
Difference in certain, sure
Certain is used to express no doubt, while sure is often used in informal contexts to express confidence.
certain
sure
Difference in certain, positive
Certain is used to mean no doubt, while positive is used to express strong belief or assurance.
certain
positive
certain in TOEIC
"certain, definite" - often used in business contexts to express confidence in decisions, outcomes, or information.
TOEIC Vocabulary Grammar
In TOEIC vocabulary questions, "certain" often appears to mean "sure" or "definite," and it is used in phrases like "certain decision" or "certain result."
certain is an adjective meaning "sure or confident," while uncertain is an adjective meaning "not sure or doubtful."
In TOEIC grammar questions, "certain" requires attention to its use as an adjective, modifying nouns or following linking verbs.
Idioms and expressions in the TOEIC
Words sharing the same root as certain
Etymology of certain
certain comes from the Latin 'certus', which first meant 'sure' or 'fixed'.
Word Structure
It has the root cert (sure) and suffix ain (adjective), meaning 'sure'.
Words with the same root
The root of certain is cert (sure). Words with the same root include certify (to confirm), certificate (a document of proof).
"certain" can be remembered by thinking of "certainty," which means being sure or confident.
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