adj
Common
certified
SUR-tih-fyd
Certified (adj) means Officially recognized as meeting a required standard. Example: “The kitchen is staffed by certified chefs who have passed every exam.”
adj
1
Officially recognized as meeting a required standard.
"The kitchen is staffed by certified chefs who have passed every exam."
"Only a certified electrician is allowed to work on the building's wiring."
"She is a certified public accountant."
2
Formally verified or authenticated in writing.
"The bank needs a certified translation of your birth certificate."
"The solicitor provided a certified copy of the signed contract."
"Send a certified copy of your passport."
How to use certified
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOfficially approved or verified as meeting a standard.
Common pairings
certified copy
certified professional
certified organic
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Synonyms
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uncertified
Related words
Rhymes for certified
See all rhymes for certified →Frequently asked questions
What does “certified” mean?
The word “certified” means officially recognized as meeting a required standard. In plain terms, officially approved or verified as meeting a standard.
How do you pronounce “certified”?
“Certified” is pronounced SUR-tih-fyd (/ˈsɝ.tɪ.faɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “certified” in a sentence?
Here is “certified” used in a sentence: “She is a certified public accountant.”
What part of speech is “certified”?
“Certified” is an adjective.
Is “certified” a common word?
“Certified” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “certified” have?
“Certified” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: officially recognized as meeting a required standard.
What is the difference between 'certified' and 'qualified'?
Qualified means having the skills, training, or experience needed to do something. Certified goes a step further and means officially recognised as meeting a required standard, usually confirmed in writing by an authority, so a person can be qualified without yet being certified.
What is the difference between 'certified' and 'certificated'?
Both relate to holding a certificate, but usage differs. Certified is the more common word and means officially recognised or formally verified in writing; certificated is a rarer, more technical term used mainly in some professional or educational settings to mean holding a specific certificate.