certain

1. 1
   only somedeterminer

   Used for some particular people or things without saying exactly which ones.

   Certain students were chosen to join the summer program.

   Only certain kinds of plastic can be recycled in this town.

   UsageSay certain + more than one (certain students), or a certain + one thing.

   Similarsome

2. 2
   confidentadjective

   Completely sure in your mind that something is true.

   Like being sure of your own name: there is no doubt in your mind.

   She was certain that she had locked the front door before leaving.

   I'm certain we have met somewhere before today.

   UsageSay certain about, certain of, or certain that.

   Similarsure, confident, positive, convinced

   Oppositeuncertain, unsure

3. 3
   adjective

   Used to talk about one particular person or thing without saying exactly who or which it is.

   A certain bird sings outside my window every morning.

   Her voice has a certain warmth that makes people trust her.

   UsageSay a certain + noun: a certain warmth.

   Note
4. 4
   set amountadjective

   Fixed or set in a way that does not change, such as an exact amount.

   A check must be for a sum certain, an exact amount of money.

   The contract names a sum certain, so the price cannot change.

   UsageIn law, it can come after the noun: a sum certain.

   Similarfixed, set, regular, determinate

   Oppositevariable, irregular

   Note
5. 5
   bound to happenadjective

   Sure to happen, with no way to stop or avoid it.

   Like the sun coming up tomorrow: nothing can stop it.

   Without rain, the crops faced certain failure.

   Defeat looked certain after they lost their best player.

   UsageSay certain to happen, or certain death.

   Similarinevitable, sure, assured, guaranteed, unavoidable

   Oppositeuncertain, unlikely

   Note
6. 6
   beyond doubtadjective

   True and proven, so that no one can doubt it.

   It is certain that he was home that night, because three neighbors saw him.

   After three separate tests, the result is certain.

   UsageSay it is certain that or one thing is certain.

   Similarclear, definite, indisputable, undeniable, unquestionable

   Oppositeuncertain, doubtful, questionable

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