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certain

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The definition of certain is being absolutely sure of something, or something you are confident about, or to identify someone ("that certain person") who isn't explicitly named.

(adjective)

An example of certain is when you are confident that you let the dogs in earlier.
An example of certain is how you would identify someone without his name even though everyone knows who you are talking about.

See certain in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

fixed, settled, or determined
sure (to happen, etc.); inevitable
not to be doubted; unquestionable: certain evidence
not failing; reliable; dependable: a certain cure
controlled; unerring: his certain aim
without any doubt; assured; sure; positive: certain of his innocence
not named or described, though definite and perhaps known: a certain person
some, but not very much; appreciable: to a certain extent

Origin: ME & OFr < VL *certanus < L certus, determined, fixed, orig. pp. of cernere, to distinguish, decide, orig., to sift, separate: see harvest

pronoun

a certain indefinite number; certain ones (of): certain of these authors are seldom read

See certain in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Definite; fixed: set aside a certain sum each week.
Sure to come or happen; inevitable: certain success.
Established beyond doubt or question; indisputable: What is certain is that every effect must have a cause.
Capable of being relied on; dependable: a quick and certain remedy.
Having or showing confidence; assured.
a. Not specified or identified but assumed to be known: felt that certain breeds did not make good pets.
b. Named but not known or previously mentioned: a certain Ms. Johnson.
Perceptible; noticeable: a certain charm; a certain air of mystery.
Not great; calculable: to a certain degree; a certain delay in the schedule.

pron.

An indefinite but limited number; some: Certain of the products are faulty.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *certānus

Origin: , from Latin certus

Origin: , past participle of cernere, to determine; see krei- in Indo-European roots

Usage Note: Although certain appears to be an absolute term, it is frequently qualified by adverbs, as in fairly certain or quite certain. In an earlier survey a majority of the Usage Panel accepted the construction Nothing could be more certain.

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