certain
|cer/tain|
B1
🇺🇸
/ˈsɜːrtən/
🇬🇧
/ˈsɜːtən/
sure, specific
Etymology
Etymology Information
'certain' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'certain', where 'cert-' meant 'sure' and '-ain' was a suffix.
Historical Evolution
'certain' changed from the Old French word 'certain' and eventually became the modern English word 'certain'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'sure or fixed', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'known for sure or specific'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
known for sure; established beyond doubt.
It is certain that the sun will rise tomorrow.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
specific but not explicitly named or stated.
There are certain rules you must follow.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35