I Agree It’s Make Climbers Face Death Rescue

• the climbers face certain death if the rescue today is unsuccessful.
• it is certain that they will agree.
• she looks certain to win an oscar.
• they are certain to agree.

certain

1. 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.
• She looks certain to win an Oscar.
• They are certain to agree.
• If you want to be certain of getting a ticket, book now.
• It’s certain that they will agree.
• They are certain to agree.
• There are bound to be changes when the new system is introduced.
• You’ve done so much work—you’re bound to pass the exam.
• She’s sure to be picked for the team.
• It’s sure to rain.
• Is it definite that he’s leaving?
• That kind of behaviour is guaranteed to make him angry.
• ‘Is that John over there?’ ‘I’m not sure.’
• Are you sure about that?
• England must win this game to be sure of qualifying.
• I’m quite sure (that) I left my bag here (= I have no doubt about it).
• I’m quite confident that you’ll get the job.
• The team feels confident of winning.
• I’m convinced that she’s innocent.
• Are you absolutely certain about this?
• She was positive that he’d been there.
• ‘Are you sure?’ ‘Positive.’
• My memory isn’t really clear on that point.
2. firmly believing something; having no doubts
• She wasn’t certain (that) he had seen her.
• Are you absolutely certain about this?
• I'm not certain who was there.
• To my certain knowledge he was somewhere else at the time (= I am sure about it).
3. 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.
• They refused to release their hostages unless certain conditions were met.
4. 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.
5. slight; noticeable, but difficult to describe
• That's true, to a certain extent.
• I felt there was a certain coldness in her manner.
6. without doubt
• I can't say for certain when we'll arrive.
7. to find out whether something is definitely true
• I think there's a bus at 8 but you'd better call to make certain.
8. 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.
9. 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.

Extra Examples

• Digby looked certain to be the next president.
• I don’t know for certain how many people are coming.
• I grew more and more certain that she was lying to me.
• I think she’s a teacher, but I couldn’t say for certain.
• It’s by no means certain that she’ll get the job.
• Make certain that you lock the door if you go out.
• He wasn’t certain who he’d given the papers to.
• I couldn’t say for certain whether she’ll be there.
• If you want to be certain of getting into the concert, buy your ticket now.
• It’s certain that they will agree.
• She wasn’t certain (that) he’d seen her.
• The climbers face certain death if the rescue attempt is unsuccessful.
• They are certain to agree.
• To my certain knowledge he was somewhere else at the time.
• You have to be quite certain of the facts before making a decision.

Word Origin

• Middle English: from Old French, based on Latin certus ‘settled, sure’.