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certain(adjective)/ˈsɜːtn/ /ˈsɜːrtn/- strongly believing something; having no doubts
- I think it was him, but I can't be certain.
- She wasn’t certain (that) he had seen her.
- I'm certain we'll think of something.
- Are you absolutely certain about this?
- I am not certain of the precise date.
- I'm not certain who was there.
Extra Examples- To my certain knowledge he was somewhere else at the time (= I am sure about it).
- I grew more and more certain that she was lying to me.
- He wasn't certain who he'd given the papers to.
- You have to be quite certain of the facts before making a decision.
- that you can rely on to happen or to be true
- The climbers face certain death if the rescue today is unsuccessful.
- It is certain that they will agree.
- It was not certain that the bones were even human.
- She looks certain to win an Oscar.
- He seemed certain to be defeated in the election.
- The death toll was almost certain to rise.
- They are certain to agree.
- One thing is certain—it will be exciting.
- If you want to be certain of getting a ticket, book now.
Extra Examples- Digby looked certain to be the next president.
- It's by no means certain that she'll get the job.
- If you want to be certain of getting into the concert, buy your ticket now.
- used to mention a particular thing, person or group without giving any more details about it or them
- For certain personal reasons I shall not be able to attend.
- Certain people might disagree with this.
- This car appeals to a certain type of driver.
- You can choose to only watch certain kinds of movies.
- They refused to release their hostages unless certain conditions were met.
- The president can under certain circumstances dissolve parliament.
- slight; easy to notice, but difficult to describe
- That's true, to a certain extent.
- I experienced a certain amount of relief.
- I felt there was a certain coldness in her manner.
- used with a person’s name to show that the speaker does not know the person
- It was a certain Dr Davis who performed the operation.
- without doubt
- I can't say for certain when we'll arrive.
Extra Examples- I don't know for certain how many people are coming.
- I think she's a teacher, but I couldn't say for certain.
- I couldn't say for certain whether she'll be there.
- to find out whether something is definitely true
- I think there's a bus at 8 but you'd better call to make certain.
- Make certain that you lock the door if you go out.
- to do something in order to be sure that something else will happen
- You'll have to leave soon to make certain of getting there on time.
- if you talk about a person being of a certain age, you mean that they are no longer young but not yet old
- The show appeals to an audience of a certain age.
Word Origin- Middle English: from Old French, based on Latin certus ‘settled, sure’.
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