Meaning of certain In English

• 0 having no doubt or knowing exactly that something is true, or known to be true, correct, exact, or effective:

  • [ + (that) ] Are you absolutely certain (that) you gave them the right number?

  • I feel certain (that) you're doing the right thing.

  • You should make certain (that) everyone understands the instructions.

  • The police seem certain (that) they will find the people responsible for the attack.

  • [ + question word ] I'm not certain how much it will cost.

  • He was quite certain about/of his attacker's identity.

  • One thing is certain - she won't resign willingly.

  • I don't know for certain if she's coming.

  • I can't say for certain how long I'll be there.

• 1 impossible to avoid or extremely likely:

  • [ + to infinitive ] The population explosion is certain to cause widespread famine.

  • Oil prices are certain to rise following the agreement to limit production.

  • After all his hard work, he's certain to pass his exams.

  • The team looks almost certain to win the match.

  • [ + (that) ] It is virtually certain (that) she will win the gold medal.

  • Even if a ceasefire can be agreed, how can they make certain (that) neither side breaks it?

  • Cancer sufferers no longer face certain death as they once did.

  • This scandal will mean certain defeat for the party in the election.

• 2 named but neither famous nor known well:

  • I had lunch today with a certain George Michael - not the George Michael, I should explain.

• 3 limited:

  • I like modern art to a certain extent/degree, but I don't like the really experimental stuff.

• 4 particular but not named or described:

  • We have certain reasons for our decision, which have to remain confidential.

  • Do you think war is justifiable in certain circumstances?

  • Certain members of the audience may disagree with what I'm about to say.

  • The song has a certain appeal, but I'm not sure what it is.

• 5 some:

  • Certain of the candidates were well below the usual standard, but others were very good indeed.

• 6 knowing that something is true or will happen and having no cause to feel that it may not be true or may not happen; having no doubt:

  • "I think Emily is going to pick up Judy." "Are you certain?"

  • One thing is certain – supporters of the bill are not giving up.

  • [ + (that) clause ] I’m certain (that) he’ll be there.

  • [ + question word ] I’m not certain how much it will cost.

  • When you report a robbery, make certain a police report is filled out (= check that this happens).

• 7 particular but not named or described:

  • Parents expect their kids to leave home at a certain point.

• 8 some but not exactly stated; limited:

  • She enjoys sports to a certain extent.

  • There’s a certain amount of exaggeration in all ads.

• 9 a particular amount of money stated in an agreement that cannot be changed:

  • The $10 million price is sum certain.