certainty
Pluralcertainties (some meanings)
- 1The feeling of being completely sure about something.
Like knowing for sure the sun will come up in the morning.
She spoke with such certainty that no one doubted her.
There is no certainty that it will rain tomorrow.
Oppositedoubt, uncertainty
- 2A fact that is so clearly true that no one can doubt it.
Like a rule everyone agrees on, such as two plus two making four.
Death is one certainty that everyone must face.
In life, taxes are a certainty you cannot avoid.
Similarcertitude, inevitability, cinch
Oppositeuncertainty
- 3A single moment or case of feeling completely sure about something.
Like that quick moment when you suddenly know you are right.
Her sudden certainty about the answer surprised the whole class.
He felt a brief certainty that he had met her before.
Similarconviction, assurance, confidence, certitude
Oppositedoubt, uncertainty
Practice
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Origin
It came through Middle English and Old French from Latin certus, meaning 'certain'.