certificate
suh-TIHF-ih-kayt
Certificate (noun) means an official document confirming a fact, qualification, or achievement. Example: “You will receive a certificate once you finish the first-aid course.”
noun
1
An official document confirming a fact, qualification, or achievement.
"You will receive a certificate once you finish the first-aid course."
"The birth certificate must be sent in with your application form."
"She framed her university certificate and hung it on the wall."
verb
1
To provide someone or something with an official certificate.
"The college certificates graduates who complete the full training programme."
"Only instructors who are properly certificated may teach the diving course."
"The board certificated the new teachers after their training."
How to use certificate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn official paper proving something is true, or the act of issuing one.
Common pairings
birth certificate
certificate of completion
gift certificate
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- certificates
- Past tense
- certificated
- Comparative
- more certificate
- Superlative
- most certificate
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You will receive a _____ once you finish the first-aid course.
Etymology
From Old French certificat, ultimately from Medieval Latin certificatum, related to certify.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for certificate
See all rhymes for certificate →Frequently asked questions
What does “certificate” mean?
The word “certificate” means an official document confirming a fact, qualification, or achievement. In plain terms, an official paper proving something is true, or the act of issuing one.
How do you pronounce “certificate”?
“Certificate” is pronounced suh-TIHF-ih-kayt (/səˈtɪf.ɪˌkeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “certificate” in a sentence?
Here is “certificate” used in a sentence: “She framed her university certificate and hung it on the wall.”
What part of speech is “certificate”?
Depending on how it is used, “certificate” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “certificate” come from?
The word “certificate” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French certificat, ultimately from Medieval Latin certificatum, related to certify.
Is “certificate” a common word?
“Certificate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “certificate” have?
“Certificate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an official document confirming a fact, qualification, or achievement.
What is the difference between a "certificate" and a "diploma"?
A certificate is an official document confirming a fact, qualification, or achievement, and can be issued for short courses or single events. A diploma usually recognizes completion of a longer, more comprehensive course of study, so it often represents a higher or fuller level of achievement.
What is the difference between a "certificate" and a "license"?
A certificate confirms that a fact, qualification, or achievement is true, while a license grants official permission to do something, such as drive or practice a profession. You may need a certificate to prove your training before you can obtain a license.
What are common types of "certificate"?
Common examples include a birth certificate, a marriage certificate, a death certificate, and a gift certificate. In education, people earn a certificate of completion or a certificate of achievement.
What preposition follows "certificate"?
Certificate is usually followed by "of," as in "certificate of achievement," "certificate of birth," or "certificate of authenticity." This phrasing names what the document confirms.
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