authenticates
|au-then-ti-cates|
🇺🇸
/əˈθɛntɪˌkeɪt/
🇬🇧
/ɔːˈθɛntɪkeɪt/
(authenticate)
prove genuine
Etymology
'authenticate' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'authenticare' (to make authentic), which was formed from 'authenticus' (authentic).
'authenticate' changed from Medieval Latin 'authenticare' into Early Modern English (17th century) as 'authenticate' and eventually became the modern English verb 'authenticate'. The ultimate source is Greek 'authentikos' via Latin.
Initially, related to the quality of being 'authentic' or 'authoritative' ('original, genuine'), but over time it evolved into the action sense 'to establish or prove something is genuine', including technical senses such as verifying identity in computing.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to prove or show that something (a document, work of art, signature, etc.) is genuine or real.
The laboratory authenticates the painting before it is placed on public display.
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Verb 2
to establish the validity or authorship of a document or record.
The notary authenticates the signatures on the contract.
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Last updated: 2025/11/23 00:00