certainty
Pluralcertainties (some meanings)
- 1The state of being completely sure that something is true or will happen.
He stated his conclusion with complete certainty.
The scientists could offer no certainty about when the volcano would erupt.
Oppositedoubt, uncertainty
- 2A fact or truth that has been established beyond any possible question.
The election result was treated as a certainty long before the votes were counted.
Among the few certainties of science is that valid observations must be repeatable.
Similarcertitude, inevitability, cinch
Oppositeuncertainty
- 3A particular occasion or instance in which someone feels certain about something.
A momentary certainty washed over her as she recognized the voice.
Each new certainty he reached only seemed to lead to more questions.
Similarconviction, assurance, confidence, certitude
Oppositedoubt, uncertainty
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of certainty apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
From Middle English certeynte ('surety'), from Anglo-Norman certeinte and Old French certeinete, going back through Vulgar Latin *certānitās to Latin certus.