/serr"tn/ , adj.
1. free from doubt or reservation; confident; sure: I am certain he will come.
2. destined; sure to happen (usually fol. by an infinitive): He is certain to be there.
3. inevitable; bound to come: They realized then that war was certain.
4. established as true or sure; unquestionable; indisputable: It is certain that he tried.
5. fixed; agreed upon; settled: on a certain day; for a certain amount.
6. definite or particular, but not named or specified: A certain person phoned. He had a certain charm.
7. that may be depended on; trustworthy; unfailing; reliable: His aim was certain.
8. some though not much: a certain reluctance.
9. Obs. steadfast.
10. for certain , without a doubt; surely: I know for certain that I have seen that face before.
pron.
11. certain ones: Certain of the members declined the invitation.
[ 1250-1300; ME certanus, equiv. to L cert ( us ) sure, settled ( cer- base of cernere to decide, + -tus ptp. suffix) + -anus -AN ]
Syn. 1. convinced, satisfied. See sure. 4. indubitable, incontestable, irrefutable, incontrovertible, obvious, plain, clear. 5. determined.