'ratification' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ratificare', where 'ratus' (or the element 'rati-') meant 'calculated/considered' and 'facere' meant 'to make'.

'ratification' changed from Latin 'ratificare' into Old French forms (e.g. 'ratifier') and entered Middle English via Medieval Latin/Old French, eventually becoming the modern English noun 'ratification'.

Initially, it meant 'the act of making something confirmed or considered valid', and over time it has evolved into the current meaning of 'formal approval or confirmation' (often in legal or diplomatic contexts).