26984 words

certain

12 definitions • 39 examples
1
having no doubt or knowing exactly that something is true, or known to be true, correct, exact, or effective:

Examples:

[ + (that) ] Are you absolutely certain (that) you gave them the right number?
feel certain I feel certain (that) you're doing the right thing.
make certain You should make certain (that) everyone understands the instructions.
seem certain The police seem certain (that) they will find the people responsible for the attack.
[ + question word ] I'm not certain how much it will cost.
certain about He was quite certain about his attacker's identity.
certain of I've never been more certain of anything in my whole life.
One thing is certain - she won't resign willingly.
2
to know or say something without doubt:

Examples:

I don't know for certain if she's coming.
3

Examples:

certain to The population explosion is certain to cause widespread famine.
Oil prices are certain to rise following the agreement to limit production.
After all his hard work, he's certain to pass his exams.
almost certain The team looks almost certain to win the match.
[ + (that) ] It is virtually certain (that) she will win the gold medal.
it is certain It is almost certain (that) there will be another vote.
make certain Even if a ceasefire can be agreed, how can they make certain (that) neither side breaks it?
Cancer sufferers no longer face certain death as they once did.
This scandal will mean certain defeat for the party in the election.
4
named but neither famous nor known well:

Examples:

I had lunch today with a certain Will Smith - not the Will Smith, I should explain.
5

Examples:

to a certain extent I like modern art to a certain extent, but I don't like the really experimental stuff.
to a certain degree Technology can improve the situation to a certain degree.
6
particular but not named or described:

Examples:

We have certain reasons for our decision, which have to remain confidential.
Do you think war is justifiable in certain circumstances?
Certain members of the audience may disagree with what I'm about to say.
7
used before a noun when it is difficult to describe something exactly or give its exact amount:

Examples:

The song has a certain appeal, but I'm not sure what it is.
I felt a certain sense of joy that his candidacy had failed.
I must admit that she has a certain glamour about her.
For all his fine qualities, he lacked a certain self-restraint.
It's an entertaining movie, but there's a certain predictability about it.
8
some:

Examples:

certain of Certain of the candidates were well below the usual standard, but others were very good indeed.
9
knowing that something is true or will happen and having no cause to feel that it may not be true or may not happen; having no doubt:

Examples:

"I think Emily is going to pick up Judy." "Are you certain?"
One thing is certain – supporters of the bill are not giving up.
[ + (that) clause ] I’m certain (that) he’ll be there.
[ + question word ] I’m not certain how much it will cost.
When you report a robbery, make certain a police report is filled out (= check that this happens).
10
particular but not named or described:

Examples:

Parents expect their kids to leave home at a certain point.
11
some but not exactly stated; limited:

Examples:

She enjoys sports to a certain extent.
There’s a certain amount of exaggeration in all ads.
12
a particular amount of money stated in an agreement that cannot be changed:

Examples:

The $10 million price is sum certain.

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