I. ˈsərt ə n, ˈsə̄t-, ˈsəit- sometimes -tə̇n adjective
( sometimes certainer -t( ə )nə(r) ; sometimes certainest -t( ə )nə̇st)
Etymology: Middle English certain, certein, from Old French certain, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin certanus, from Latin certus determined, fixed, certain, from cernere to sift, discern, understand, decide; akin to Old English hriddel sieve, Old High German rītera sieve, hreini clean, pure, Old Norse hreinn, Gothic hrains, Greek krinein to separate, decide, Lithuanian krijas hoop around a sieve, Greek keirein to cut — more at shear
1.
a. : fixed , settled , stated
guaranteed a certain percentage of the profit
where an agency such as a board of education has by law been granted certain powers — M.R.Cohen
fair play means certain definite things — Margaret Mead
— sometimes used as a postpositive modifier
a rent certain in money — Adam Smith
b. : exact , precise
I could not find the certain reasons for thinking the modern society was destitute of its normal humanity — J.C.Ransom
c. of a statement : proved to be either logically or factually correct : thoroughly confirmed : believed without reservation or doubt
2.
a. : particular : of a character difficult or unwise to specify — used to distinguish a person or thing not otherwise distinguished or not distinguishable in more precise terms
he telephoned a certain Mr. Smith
certain people would like him to speak
the comfortable-looking houses … along the tree-lined streets give it a certain charm — American Guide Series: Maryland
b. : small but tangible
3. : sure , dependable :
a. : entirely reliable
no certain early likeness of him survives — Carl Van Doren
a certain remedy for the disease
b. : not to be doubted as a fact : indisputable
it is certain that we exist
4.
a. : inevitable
the certain advance of age and decay
b. : incapable of failing : destined — used with a following infinitive
he is certain to see her
he is certain to be a success
5.
a. : given to or marked by complete assurance and conviction, lack of doubt, reservation, suspicion, or wavering through or as if through infallible knowledge or perception
b. : firm and assured as though practiced : without hesitation, wavering, or diffidence
I am sure that he was candid … I am certain that he had no guile — W.A.White
6. obsolete : steadfast
Synonyms: see sure
•
- of a certain age
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English certain, certein, from certain, certein, adjective
: certainty , certitude
•
- for certain
III. adverb
Etymology: Middle English certain, certein, from certain, certein, adjective
now dialect : certainly
IV. pronoun
( plural in construction )
Etymology: certain (I)
: certain ones
certain of my generation — W.B.Yeats