certain meaning and definition

CERTAIN adjective

Definition of certain (adjective)

1. definite but not specified or identified
   • "set aside a certain sum each week"; "to a certain degree"; "certain breeds do not make good pets"; "certain members have not paid their dues"; "a certain popular teacher"; "a certain Mrs. Jones"
2. having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
   • "felt certain of success"; "was sure (or certain) she had seen it"; "was very sure in his beliefs"; "sure of her friends"
   • synonyms: sure
   • antonym: incertain
3. established beyond doubt or question; definitely known
   • "what is certain is that every effect must have a cause"; "it is certain that they were on the bus"; "his fate is certain"; "the date for the invasion is certain"
   • antonym: uncertain
4. certain to occur; destined or inevitable
   • "he was certain to fail"; "his fate is certain"; "In this life nothing is certain but death and taxes"- Benjamin Franklin; "he faced certain death"; "sudden but sure regret"; "he is sure to win"
   • synonyms: sure
   • antonym: uncertain
5. established irrevocably
   • "his fate is sealed"
   • synonyms: sealed
   • antonym: uncertain
6. reliable in operation or effect
   • "a quick and certain remedy"; "a sure way to distinguish the two"; "wood dust is a sure sign of termites"
   • synonyms: sure
7. exercising or taking care great enough to bring assurance
   • "be certain to disconnect the iron when you are through"; "be sure to lock the doors"
   • synonyms: sure