certain1 adjectivecertain2 pronoun
certaincer‧tain1 /ˈsɜːtn $ ˈsɜːr-/ ●●● S1 W1 adjective 
WORD ORIGINcertain1
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French, Vulgar Latin certanus, from Latin certus ‘decided, certain’, from cernere ‘to sift, decide’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Are you certain you didn't leave your keys at home?
- As the results came in, it was now almost certain that Ken Livingstone would be the new Mayor of London.
- Coaches should be certain before they challenge a referee's decision.
- Computer prices will continue to fall - that's certain.
- Don't stop looking until you're absolutely certain you've found the place you want.
- He was certain about one thing - she would come back one day.
- Her business faces certain bankruptcy.
- Ignoring all warnings, the general led his men to certain death.
- Nobody knows exactly who built the manor, but it is certain that an architect called John Sturges supplied the drawings.
- She won't let you borrow the car - I'm certain of that.
- Because the growing, feeding and slaughtering of kosher chickens are supervised by rabbis, all growers must meet certain standards.
- It is impossible to look at certain drawings without laughing.
- It is only in certain subjects - notably mathematics, technical subjects and physics - that boys do better than girls.
- The Minoans also regarded certain inanimate objects as incarnations of a deity.
- There will also be deep-seated reasons why certain types of behaviour elicit strong responses in others.
- You will see that generally a certain amount of light comes through.
THESAURUS
if something is certain, you are completely sure that it will happen or is true: · Success seems certain.· It is almost certain that there will be a change of government.· Nobody knows exactly who built the manor, but it is certain that an architect called John Sturges supplied the drawings.
if something is definite, it is certain because someone has officially stated that it will happen, is true etc: · I hope you can give me a definite answer soon.· The wedding will be next summer but a definite date has not been arranged yet.· I’ve got a good chance of getting the job, but it’s not definite yet.
if something, especially something bad, is inevitable, it is certain to happen and you cannot do anything to prevent it: · War now seems inevitable.· It was inevitable that he would find out her secret sooner or later.· Facial wrinkles are the inevitable result of aging.
if something is bound to happen, it is very likely to happen, especially because that is what usually happens in that kind of situation. Be bound to is less formal than certain and is very common in everyday spoken English: · The kids are bound to be hungry when they get home – they always are.· My car broke down today. It was bound to happen sooner or later.
formal to be certain to get something good, or to be successful: · After the success of its recent single, the band is now assured of a contract with a major record company.· He is is virtually assured of becoming the next prime minister.· Our clients are assured of comfortable accommodation and the attention of our trained staff.
if something is a foregone conclusion, its result is certain even though it has not happened yet: · They were winning by such a large margin that victory seemed to be a foregone conclusion.· Party members believe it is a foregone conclusion that he will resign.
Longman Language Activatorcertain or definite · Computer prices will continue to fall - that's certain.it is certain (that) · Nobody knows exactly who built the manor, but it is certain that an architect called John Sturges supplied the drawings. almost certain · As the results came in, it was now almost certain that Ken Livingstone would be the new Mayor of London.certain death/failure/disaster etc · Ignoring all warnings, the general led his men to certain death.
if something is definite , it is certain because someone has officially stated that it will happen, is true etc: · I've got a good chance of getting the job, but it's not definite yet.· We have some statistics, but we really need something more definite before we can make any firm decisions.definite answer: · I don't know what time she's coming. She won't give me a definite answer.
: conclusive proof/evidence/argument etc proof etc that is certainly true and cannot be doubted: · We still have no conclusive proof that Walters was at the scene of the crime.· They have been able to collect some data, but as yet nothing really conclusive.
to make certain that something will happen Make sure is more common in spoken English than make certain: · I think Harry knows the way, but I'll go with him just to make sure.make sure/make certain (that): · Make sure you lock your car.· You must make sure that your dog is vaccinated against illness.· The producer must make certain there is enough material to fill the one-hour programme.
also ensure British to do something in order to be certain that something will happen in the way you want it to: · To insure accuracy, three consultants worked closely with the producer during filming.insure/ensure that: · It is important to insure that universities have enough funds to carry out important research.· A new television campaign has been launched to ensure that the victims are not forgotten.
especially spoken to make sure that something someone has asked you to do is done: · I'll see that Jason isn't late for school again!· Will you please see to it that this work is finished by the end of the week.see to it: · "This letter must be posted today.'' "Don't worry, I'll see to it.''
when something will definitely happen use this to say that you are completely sure that something will happen or that someone will do something. Definitely is more common in spoken English than certainly: · I'll certainly be glad when this course is over.· Roger and Andy are definitely coming, but I'm not sure about Nancy.· We'll certainly be back by 7 o'clock.· Owen is injured and will definitely miss the game on Saturday.
informal if you say that something will happen for sure , you mean it will certainly happen: · Yeah, you'll see him. He'll be there for sure.· Milan are going to win the cup for sure. They're just such a strong team.that's for sure: · She'll come home when she runs out of money, that's for sure.
if something is bound to happen it is certain to happen, especially because that is what always happens: · The kids are bound to be hungry when they get home -- they always are.· My car broke down today. It was bound to happen sooner or later.· Have you asked Ted? He's sure to know.· The drop in prices and lack of demand are certain to affect the manufacturing industry.
use this to say that something is certain to happen but no one knows exactly when: · You'll learn how to do it eventually -- it's only a matter of time.· Your father is dying and there's nothing we can do. I'm afraid it's just a matter of time.it's only/just a matter of time before: · It was only a matter of time before Lynn found out Phil's secret.
if something is cut and dried , it is certain to happen in a particular way because it has already been planned or decided, and nothing can be done to change it: · My future was cut and dried. I would join my father's firm, and take it over when he retired.· We made the arrangements weeks ago. It's all cut and dried.
if something is a certainty , it is certain to happen, especially because the situation has changed and made it certain: · Johnson was the fastest man on earth, and a gold medal seemed a certainty.· Being left alone in her old age, the fate she had always feared, now became a certainty.
if something, especially a result, is a foregone conclusion, it is certain to happen even though it has not yet been officially decided: · Ian's bound to get the job -- it's a foregone conclusion.· The outcome of the battle was a foregone conclusion.
someone who cheats to do something in order to find out whether something is really true or correct: · "Are you sure this is the right phone number?" "Yes, I've just checked."· You'd better check the figures one more time - we don't want any mistakes.check that: · I'll just check that I locked the door.· Check that the meat is cooked thoroughly before serving it.check if/whether: · Before your trip, check if your insurance covers you abroad.check to see if/whether: · Let's check to see if she's OK.
to make sure that something, especially something that someone else has told you, is actually true: check out something: · We got in touch with the bank to check out the suspect's story.check something out: · What he said didn't seem quite right, so I decided to check it out.
to check that a situation is really the way you want or expect it to be: · I don't think Jo's back yet, but you can knock on her door just to make sure.make sure/make certain (that): · Make certain the car is in good condition before you sign the rental agreement.· I phoned the hotel to make sure that they had reserved a room for us.
to check something a second time, so that you are completely sure: · "Did you switch the heating off?" "Yes, I double-checked."· I don't think I made a mistake. I checked and double-checked all my calculations.double-check that: · Double-check that the computer file was properly copied.
formal to officially check a fact or statement and show that it is correct: · You can verify the facts in the report by calling his office.verify that: · Doctors have verified that the injury was indeed work-related.
to check that an arrangement you have made has happened or is still going to happen: · Have you called to confirm your flight yet?confirm that: · Let me just confirm that the money has arrived in your account.
formal to find out if a fact that you think is true is really true: ascertain something: · The case remains a mystery. The police were never able to ascertain the true facts.ascertain that: · The pathologist ascertained that the victim had died from a gunshot wound.ascertain how/when/why etc: · A doctor should examine the patient to ascertain where the pain is localized.ascertain: · As far as we have been able to ascertain, our client is not involved in anything illegal.
very likely to happen or be true · An early end to the dispute is now very likely.· "Do you think she's still in love with him?" "More than likely."· Victory for the German team now seems more than likely.very likely/more than likely to do something · Snow is very likely to spread across the region by the afternoon.it's very likely (that) · It's very likely that he'll be late -- he usually is.
especially written · The number of dead will very probably reach 2,000 by the end of the day.· The disease is very probably transmitted in water.
extremely likely to happen or be true: it is almost certain (that): · It is almost certain that the government will lose the next election.almost certain to do something: · Bartholomew's family is almost certain to appeal the court's decision.
very probably - use this when you have considered something and you are giving your opinion about it: · In all probability, parts of the church date from even earlier than the twelfth century.· She knew that, in all probability, he was seeing other women as well as herself.
spoken say this when you think it is extremely likely that something will happen or has happened: (it's)ten to one (that): · Stop worrying, Mum. Ten to one Liz has just gone round to a friend's house.· It's ten to one you'll get the job - you're perfect for it.
some, but not a large amount an amount of something, but not a large amount - use this when you are not saying exactly what the amount is: · Can I borrow some money, Dad?· I need some time to think about what you've said.· "We've run out of milk." "Do you want me to go and get some?"some of (=not the whole thing): · Have some of this cake -- it's delicious.some more: · Would you like some more wine?
a fairly large amount - use this to talk about people's feelings, abilities etc: · It's a job that requires a certain amount of intelligence and skill.· A certain amount of stress is unavoidable in daily life.
formal a fairly large amount of something, especially something good: · There is a measure of flexibility in the system.· Having a job gives me a measure of independence.
when you feel sure about something if you are sure about something, you believe that it is definitely true or correct: · 'The car was a BMW' 'Are you sure?'sure (that): · I'm surprised she isn't here - I was sure she would come.· Are you quite sure that he understood your instructions?sure about: · I think children are influenced by these films, but it's impossible to be sure about this.sure of: · You need to be sure of your facts before making any accusations.pretty sure: · I'm pretty sure Barbara still works here.absolutely sure: · We do not believe this is the body of the missing girl, but we have to check to be absolutely sure.
completely sure that something is true: certain (that): · Are you certain you didn't leave your keys at home?certain about: · He was certain about one thing - she would come back one day.certain of: · She won't let you borrow the car - I'm certain of that.absolutely certain: · Don't stop looking until you're absolutely certain you've found the place you want.
especially spoken completely sure that something is true - use this especially when other people are saying it might not be true: · "Are you sure you locked the door?" "Yes, I'm positive."positive (that): · She said she was positive the exam was next Tuesday.absolutely positive: · I'm absolutely positive I haven't made a mistake.
sure that something is true, even when you cannot prove it: convinced (that): · We've had no news of him, but we're convinced he's still alive.· She became convinced that her boyfriend was seeing someone else.convinced of: · Brown's wife was convinced of his innocence.
to be so certain about something that there are no doubts in your mind: have no doubt (that): · I've no doubt that his story is true.have no doubt about/of: · My boss told me he had no doubt about my abilities as a salesman.
to have a strong feeling that something is right or true, although there may be nothing to prove: know (that): · Sally knew that she and Carl would be the best of friends.· I just know your mother will love this necklace.· As soon as the phone rang, we knew something terrible must have happened.know it: · She's going to pass -- I just know it!
sure that you know the truth about something that has happened, because you have enough information: satisfied (that): · Police are now satisfied that her death was an accident.
sure that something good will happen, or that you will be able to achieve what you want: · ''Do you think you'll win tomorrow's game?'' - ''Well, we're all feeling pretty confident''.confident (that): · Doctors are confident that he'll make a full recovery.confident of: · A spokesman said the government was confident of winning the vote and would not discuss the possibility of defeat.
spoken informal say this when you feel sure that something is true: I bet (that): · I bet you're tired after such a long journey.· I bet she hasn't told her parents about this.
especially spoken if you say that something must be true or must have happened, you are sure about it, because of information you have or things you have noticed that make it seem very likely: · You must remember Sally Newton. She was in our French class.must have: · Kim didn't answer when I called - she must have gone to bed.· She didn't get into movies just because her mother was a famous actress, but it must have helped.
especially spoken if you say that something can't be true or can't have happened, you are sure that it is not true or has not happened: · He says he's 21 but he can't be older than 18.can't have: · She can't have gone to bed yet - it's only 8 o'clock.· If you failed that exam you can't have worked very hard.
you say I'd put money on it when you are so sure of something that you would be willing to take the chance of losing money if you were wrong: · "Do you really think the president will win again?'' "I'd put money on it.''
not sure if something is true or if something will happen · "What time does the film start?" "I think it's 8.30, but I'm not sure."not sure how/whether/when etc · I'm not sure where she lives.· I'm not sure how long it will take the bus to get there.not sure about · If you're not sure about the meaning of a word, look it up in a dictionary.not sure of · Use the 'Filesearch' function if you are not sure of the name of a file.can't be sure spoken (=when you think something is true, but you are not completely sure) · I can't be sure, but I think I saw Maggie coming out of the hospital this morning.
not sure about something. Not certain is more formal than not sure: · The man you're looking for could be Keith, but I'm not certain.not certain about: · I'm not certain about what time the buses come - I usually cycle.not certain how/why/where etc: · I'm really not certain how much fuel we've got left.
to not be at all sure if something is true or if something will happen: · "How old is she?" "Oh, I don't know - fifty, fifty-five?"not know if/whether/how etc: · I phoned her but I don't know if she got my message.· We do not know whether the lake is safe for swimming in.not know for sure especially spoken: · It could be this week but it might be much later. We don't know for sure.
Unsure and uncertain are more formal than not sure and not certain .: unsure/uncertain about: · I'm still a bit unsure about how to use this software.unsure/uncertain of: · Many workers are still unsure of their rights.unsure/uncertain who/what/whether etc: · David decided to become a teacher but was uncertain which subject to specialize in.
a feeling of not being sure whether something is true or correct: doubt about: · There are still some doubts about her suitability for the job.doubt as to: · There seems to be some doubt as to what warnings were given.
to think about something that you are not sure about, and try to guess what is true, what will happen, etc: · He says he's had no formal training but when you see how good his work is, you start to wonder.wonder if/how/whether etc: · I wonder if she'll recognize me after all these years.· He wondered whether he would be able to find the hotel again.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 2phrases
Dina encountered a fair amount of envy among her colleagues.
· It seemed certain that the other team would win.
· For a while the whole project looked certain to fail.
(=not definite)· Victory was by no means certain for Smith.
(=not definite)· Success is far from certain.
adverbs· Opposition to the changes is fairly certain.
· It is almost certain that she will be given a prison sentence.· Prices are virtually certain to increase.
nouns· If they stayed in the war zone, they faced almost certain death.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Dina encountered a fair amount of envy among her colleagues. (=if particular conditions exist)· In certain circumstances you may be refused a visa.
· He said we could rent the house from him on certain conditions.
(=definitely going to happen)· Many of the prisoners faced certain death.
(=sure to happen)· Some environmentalists have concluded that the planet faces certain doom.
(=partly)· What you say is true to some extent, but it’s not the whole picture.
(=extinction which will definitely happen)· The crested ibis faces certain extinction in Japan after attempts to breed from the sole remaining pair have failed.
· Success depends on certain factors.
(=to consider factors when making a decision)· You should take all these factors into account.
(=think that something is definitely true) She felt sure she’d made the right decision.
She felt sure she’d made the right decision.· A ‘besom’ is a particular kind of broom.
(=used when something does not seem sensible, but there are understandable reasons for it)· With a certain logic, the child said that ‘ten and one’ would be the next number after ten.
· He showed a certain reluctance to come tonight.
· Despite some reservations, I recommend this book.
(=a particular similarity)· There are certain similarities between the two theories.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· It's 99% certain the deal will go through but doesn't want to identify the company until it's absolutely certain.· No state requires that you be absolutely certain, before you file a report, that abuse is taking place.· But you could rarely be absolutely certain.· Consciousness, without any further necessary conclusions, is the only fact of which consciousness can be absolutely certain.· The only absolutely certain thing in this life is death.· No laboratory test or pathological finding can make an absolutely certain diagnosis of sarcoidosis.· It is impossible for me not to be absolutely certain of it.· Nor is it absolutely certain that that experience differs in any fundamental way from that of past eras.
· In addition, Edgington's remarkable performance makes him an almost certain Olympic choice.· Maintaining an inventory is almost certain to assure a higher loss payment.· If the Tories are seeking to portray Mr Brown as a spendthrift, they are almost certain to fail.· You are almost certain to get hundreds of Web pages to examine.· What is almost certain is that royal land-holdings were vast, and they were probably particularly impressive in the north.· The almost certain one is a third party candidacy by Ross Perot or even Pat Buchanan.· The scheme was introduced by an influential group of senators and is almost certain to pass.· I was almost certain before I got there that he was.
· Though afterwards she was fairly certain that Naylor had always meant to reject her anyway.· They were fairly certain he was immune; certain enough to consider it worth the risk, at any rate.· At least when face-to-face contact is made you are fairly certain that the message gets through.· Of one thing I am fairly certain, namely that the glassfibre Seayak will carve through waves better.· However, we are fairly certain of some features that such a unified theory should have.· But something that is by definition inefficient is fairly certain also to be undignified.· He was fairly certain she had no idea of how gentle he had been, how thoughtful.· He was fairly certain now that he was walking into a trap, and wished he'd come armed.
· It also explains why it is virtually certain that Britain's main trunk lines will rely on optical fibre.· We are virtually certain that this incident was a deliberate provocation.· A healthy competition for places is never a bad thing and only Campbell, Scholes and Beckham are virtually certain of selection.· The Gaylord family controls about 60 percent of the voting stock, so approval is virtually certain.· A U.S. appeal of the decision is virtually certain and would take months.· A senior Democratic aide said it was virtually certain that Democrats would push for censure.· The Congress is virtually certain to declare itself independent of the Soviet Party.· After a weekend in New York, Maddux said he was virtually certain of signing a five-year deal with the Yankees.
NOUN· We can accept a certain amount of luck in our explanations, but not too much.· He puts it this way: Every defense company figures a certain amount of overhead into every contract.· This arrangement requires a certain amount of restraint and co-operation on the part of the dominant males, but it clearly has compensatory advantages.· You must have lived in your home a certain amount of time, for example.· Not withstanding the arbitrary demands of the Tokugawa, domains enjoyed a certain amount of autonomy.· The nature of Alix's profession demanded she kept a certain amount of medical equipment around.· There is a certain amount of evidence to suggest that local Tory leaders played a part in inciting the unrest.· Therefore turns should be stopped a certain amount before the actual heading - Undershoot your heading.
· These days, you just can't get insured at all if you're young and a biker in certain areas.· It is not a completely new stage, however, as there are overlaps in certain areas.· For the reasons outlined below, we have had to raise our Contents premiums in certain areas of the country.· Rather, they are relatively more attentive or less attentive depending on their ability to process information in a certain area.· These perceptions emphasize the pathology of the victims themselves and the pathological influences found in certain areas.· Clearly certain areas - eg animal houses - may have statutory lighting levels.· With the exception of certain areas of mental health, there appeared little clear medical evidence in support of these claims.· In certain areas law centres, staffed by professional lawyers and advisers, offer a good free legal advice service.
· Thirdly, there are certain aspects of mass communication which are sometimes overlooked in media education.· To some extent it is pOssible for parents to enhance certain aspects Of infant intelligence.· These experiments tell us a great deal about certain aspects of cognitive processes, particularly their relative timing or sequencing.· We can not direct or control or enhance certain aspects of our lives.· Most considerations have concentrated on certain aspects and left others to the imagination.· Quantum cryptography exploits a key principle of quantum mechanics, according to which certain aspects of any subatomic process are inherently unknowable.· The inspectors said that there was poor provision in certain aspects of teaching children with reading difficulties.· We have seen that Althusser invokes certain aspects of political and ideological practice to explain the reproduction of the relations of production.
· In certain cases it might well be that the defendant's ignorance will not help him.· It may succeed temporarily, in certain cases, and more so with some people than with others.· In certain cases, a prior mortgagee may make further advances to the mortgagor which will rank in priority to subsequent mortgages.· In certain cases, the organization bears little blame for finding itself in such straits.· In certain cases the law imposes very short time limits within which you must act.· Because the indemnity basis may produce unfair results in certain cases.· Indeed, although regulatory offences in the abstract may be regarded as of minor consequence they may in certain cases have drastic results.· In certain cases, anaerobic conditions may be used to achieve specific clean-up goals, such as removing chlorinated compounds.
· However, it has been claimed that some doctors in the province will perform abortions in certain circumstances.· Under certain circumstances, however, children may learn a pidgin as their first language.· The Obscene Publications Acts 1959 and 1964 might, under certain circumstances, have relevance.· For example, under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, age may be taken into account in certain circumstances.· It may be that under certain circumstances one of the alternative methods of valuation is the most appropriate.· In certain circumstances an unassisted party may be awarded costs from the legal aid fund if his opponent is legally aided.· In certain circumstances public law proceedings may be commenced in a county court care centre.· The tragic sky is the only thing that can be appealed to in certain circumstances.
· If they stayed in the war zone they would face almost certain death.· But if he could not kill them outright, he could put them in the way of tolerably certain death.· The class had seen their friends carried off to a certain death.· There they learned that they had barely escaped certain death.· The ground loomed and certain death faced them in a matter of seconds.· Both heroes fought under the shadow of certain death.· He landed wheels-up on the sandbank and he and all the crew escaped certain death.· Would you try to avoid her and drive off to certain death, or would you keep going and kill her?
· It is suggested, therefore, that piecemeal reform has to be treated with a certain degree of caution.· Rehearsals over, a certain degree of moodiness or silly humor would overtake him.· There has been a certain degree of controversy in recent years over the practice of self-investment by pension funds.· To a certain degree, this was inevitable.· In fact, they often find a certain degree of fellowship in acknowledging how much it all drives them crazy.· Although inflation was invoked to make the universe smooth, it can provide a certain degree of clumpiness.· To a certain degree, the rush to get on line boils down to simple economics.
· The operational system appeared, to a certain extent, to be fairly regulated with highly structured and defined job descriptions.· I felt that way about my boss to a certain extent.· Other species of Ophiolebes species have a thickened skin covering the disk and to a certain extent the arm spines.· Being knocked about to a certain extent.· To a certain extent it still relies on your dropping the bait on the same line that your tackle is lying.· To a certain extent, this charge was true.· In addition, the organized networks could to a certain extent rely on intimidation and social pressure.
· But as you've said, people tend to associate you with a certain kind of picture.· Patrons can play certain kinds of poker and other games.· On the other hand, a broader education may provide a better preparation for some jobs and certain kinds of research.· Film confers a certain kind of knowledge; watching it, we take in the world with our eyes.· In the ritual legal opera only certain kinds of song can be performed; only certain persons can sing.· Fears, however, warn an organization against certain kinds of activity.· This, too, is not unlike certain kinds of natural selection.· We also believe that certain settings and certain kinds of support can help parents form these bonds and nurture their children successfully.
· But human negotiators are slow, and can cope with problems only up to a certain level of complexity.· It would also test whether a certain level of complexity birthed self-sustainability.· You get to a certain level and then you want to change everything in order to improve.· Grant-aid was available, but only in houses with rates below a certain level.· For many parents, of course, those words produce a certain level of dread.· Stamina or endurance refers to your capacity to keep up a certain level of sustained exercise.· At a certain level, people are beyond that.
· Both orders allow a certain number of new conditions to be imposed, again with reduced compensation being payable.· Most plans include a monthly fee and a certain number of free minutes per month.· Bob felt obliged to go and look at a certain number of these places out of politeness.· Like the dominant party in a one-party state, Microsoft Corp. has engendered a certain number of discontents.· A certain number of days are set aside throughout the session for non-governmental business.· The contracts are structured as loans or, most commonly, as a direct purchases of a certain number of installments.· It is interesting that certain numbers seem to occur frequently in folklore, particularly three, seven and nine.· And, of course, there are only a certain number of people you can approach with that request.
· He's certain people will reject the idea.· One of the functions of designating certain people as enemies is the bringing together of the rest of society.· The Garden of Eden was the way certain people would describe any charming landscape.· Only certain people are capable of achieving it; those people possessed of magnetic centre, about which we have already spoken.· Does it only occur at work or social events or do certain people trigger it?· They make it especially for Oktoberfest and certain people ask for it specifically.· A central register of information blacklisted certain people, particularly those who passed bad cheques and placed fraudulent overseas orders.· His was a low-key style, the sort certain people can sustain indefinitely.
· But inevitably, at a certain point, we turn to look at the Erechtheion, some way off.· At a certain point, great big cockroaches no longer inspire that skin-crawling disgust.· The sensitivity needed in this area calls for an emphasis on certain points before the more controversial ones are attempted.· At a certain point, of course, bathing her in a rain of roses backfires.· At certain points it can reach 10 feet but a few feet is more normal.· To achieve efficiency, pruning of low-scoring readings may take place at certain points without greatly affecting the accuracy of the system.· They say that at a certain point it will stop expanding and start contracting again, back into the original primal seed.· At certain points in the machine of government the power of the king was still great.
· Rather, the moral goodness was really the power to produce a certain sort of pleasing sensation in the observer.· I shall view it as a principle that operates without any bias towards the emergence of certain sorts of organ.· Now the company is hoping that iconoclasm is coming back into style - and a certain sort of iconoclasm at that.· Where certain sorts of men marched in ahead of their wives.· Equally, emotional attitudes may figure as standard causes of certain sorts of utterance.· A certain sort of grimness came into my voice, as if expediency had now to take over.· He could afford, he reckoned, to be relaxed about certain sorts of problem; namely those he privately labelled intractable.· This made him very successful, since utterly trusted, with certain sorts of client.
· There are certain things that grate upon us.· Society leads you to believe that certain things are taboo.· I haven't bothered to explain certain things because, if I had, black people would have found it boring.· There are certain things in life that have no meaning at all, that are destructive and out of the ordinary.· Put very simply, in order to know anything we must assume certain things in faith.· There are certain things that Blue can not possibly know at this point.· Which would say certain things about Ewen Mackay.· So, it's not my sport -- certain things appeal to certain people.
· It can be seen at certain times.· Well, these dullish facts can mean a lot to certain individuals at certain times.· You had to wear them at certain times.· It is only the teachers who have at certain times a real stake in lying.· One adds up the probabilities for all the particle histories with certain properties, such as passing through certain points at certain times.· At certain times of the year, the Horns would also have framed the Sun in their graceful curve.· Programmes can be deployed to meet urgent needs at certain times.· Now, at certain times of day, sitting at his desk, Wyatt felt light-headed.
· Rather, individual studies have been made of certain types in the reports on the excavation of cemeteries.· The debt crisis has made commercial banks and international donors wary of making certain types of investments.· Includes comment on the factors that predispose certain types of household to become mobile.· A man prefers a certain type of woman.· It may be the case, as McClelland argues that this type of constraint requires a certain type of architecture.· When both sides of the brain have some language ability, certain types of language disability seem to be more likely.· At present, the filter only works on certain types of diesel engines.· They sometimes include certain types of cousin and people related by marriage only.
· She was on her certain way into the civil service from the beginning.· That can only be the case if these properties already include some dispositional properties, some properties to act in certain ways.· There was a certain way of unloading timber which made the work quite straight forward.· But the evidence for the average male brain differing in certain ways from the average female brain is now all but undeniable.· From this viewpoint, we have to modify our analysis of the regulatory system in certain ways.· The printer codes must be entered in a certain way during this process.· How can pupils be categorized and what are the consequences of perceiving, labelling and responding to pupils in certain ways?· They behave in certain ways, and there are moral implications to it.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► for certain
- Begin by making certain that the door itself is strong enough.
- Contractors are working hard to make certain all the homes will be ready for occupation as soon as possible.
- He watched her long enough to make certain she was breathing.
- Nicholas knelt, then lifted him to the base of the wall and knelt again, to make certain.
- Reacher had made certain fine, illegal adjustments of the turbine.
- She's clearly intent on making certain that guests enjoy themselves.
- This principle, then, makes certain general predictions about acquisition.
- What position are they in to make certain the prisoners abide by the rules of their temporary release?
- A baby was crying, and I felt a certain sympathy for it.
- The restaurant has a certain charm.
- There's a certain Mrs. Myles on the telephone.
WORD FAMILYnouncertainty ≠ uncertaintyadjectivecertain ≠ uncertainadverbcertainly ≠ uncertainly
1[not before noun] confident and sure, without any doubts SYN surecertain (that) I’m absolutely certain that I left the keys in the kitchen. I felt certain that I’d passed the test.certain who/what/how etc I’m not certain when it will be ready.certain about/of Now, are you certain about that? They were watching him. He was certain of it.► see thesaurus at sureRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say sure rather than certain:· I’m sure I gave him the money.2if something is certain, it will definitely happen or is definitely true: It now seems certain that there will be an election in May. Many people look certain to lose their jobs. It is wise to apply early to be certain of obtaining a place. It’s not certain where he lived. His re-election was considered virtually certain. It is by no means certain that the deal will be accepted. If they stayed in the war zone they would face certain death.3make certain a)to check that something is correct or true SYN make suremake certain (that) We need to make certain that it’s going to fit first. b)to do something in order to be sure that something will happen SYN make suremake certain (that) Secure the edges firmly to make certain that no moisture can get in.4for certain without doubt SYN for sureknow/say (something) for certain I know for certain it’s in here somewhere.that’s/one thing’s for certain One thing’s for certain, he won’t be back.5[only before noun] used to talk about a particular person, thing, group of things etc without naming them or describing them exactly: The library’s only open at certain times of day. I promised to be in a certain place by lunchtime. There are certain things I just can’t discuss with my mother.certain kind/type/sort the expectation of a certain kind of behaviourin certain circumstances/cases etc Extra funding may be available in certain circumstances.6a certain a)used to say that an amount is not great: You may need to do a certain amount of work in the evenings.to a certain extent/degree (=partly, but not completely) I do agree with his ideas to a certain extent. b)enough of a particular quality to be noticed: There’s a certain prestige about going to a private school. c)formal used to talk about someone you do not know but whose name you have been told: a certain Mr FranksCOLLOCATIONS– Meaning 2phrasesit seems certain that …· It seemed certain that the other team would win.somebody seems/looks/appears certain to do something· For a while the whole project looked certain to fail.something is by no means certain (=not definite)· Victory was by no means certain for Smith.something is far from certain (=not definite)· Success is far from certain.adverbsfairly certain· Opposition to the changes is fairly certain.almost/virtually certain· It is almost certain that she will be given a prison sentence.· Prices are virtually certain to increase.nounscertain death· If they stayed in the war zone, they faced almost certain death.THESAURUS– Meaning 2certain if something is certain, you are completely sure that it will happen or is true: · Success seems certain.· It is almost certain that there will be a change of government.· Nobody knows exactly who built the manor, but it is certain that an architect called John Sturges supplied the drawings.definite if something is definite, it is certain because someone has officially stated that it will happen, is true etc: · I hope you can give me a definite answer soon.· The wedding will be next summer but a definite date has not been arranged yet.· I’ve got a good chance of getting the job, but it’s not definite yet.inevitable if something, especially something bad, is inevitable, it is certain to happen and you cannot do anything to prevent it: · War now seems inevitable.· It was inevitable that he would find out her secret sooner or later.· Facial wrinkles are the inevitable result of aging.be bound to if something is bound to happen, it is very likely to happen, especially because that is what usually happens in that kind of situation. Be bound to is less formal than certain and is very common in everyday spoken English: · The kids are bound to be hungry when they get home – they always are.· My car broke down today. It was bound to happen sooner or later.be assured of something formal to be certain to get something good, or to be successful: · After the success of its recent single, the band is now assured of a contract with a major record company.· He is is virtually assured of becoming the next prime minister.· Our clients are assured of comfortable accommodation and the attention of our trained staff.something is a foregone conclusion if something is a foregone conclusion, its result is certain even though it has not happened yet: · They were winning by such a large margin that victory seemed to be a foregone conclusion.· Party members believe it is a foregone conclusion that he will resign.certain1 adjectivecertain2 pronoun
certaincertain2 pronoun EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- In certain ways Martha's good to work for, but she's really sarcastic.
- Some vegetables are only available at certain times of the year.
- There are certain things I just can't talk to my mother about.
- You have to be a certain height to go on some of the rides.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Dina encountered a fair amount of envy among her colleagues.
certain of somebody/something formal particular people or things in a group: Dina encountered a fair amount of envy among her colleagues. (=if particular conditions exist)· In certain circumstances you may be refused a visa.
· He said we could rent the house from him on certain conditions.
(=definitely going to happen)· Many of the prisoners faced certain death.
(=sure to happen)· Some environmentalists have concluded that the planet faces certain doom.
(=partly)· What you say is true to some extent, but it’s not the whole picture.
(=extinction which will definitely happen)· The crested ibis faces certain extinction in Japan after attempts to breed from the sole remaining pair have failed.
· Success depends on certain factors.
(=to consider factors when making a decision)· You should take all these factors into account.
(=think that something is definitely true) She felt sure she’d made the right decision.
She felt sure she’d made the right decision.· A ‘besom’ is a particular kind of broom.
(=used when something does not seem sensible, but there are understandable reasons for it)· With a certain logic, the child said that ‘ten and one’ would be the next number after ten.
· He showed a certain reluctance to come tonight.
· Despite some reservations, I recommend this book.
(=a particular similarity)· There are certain similarities between the two theories.
Certain of the payments were made on Mr Maxwell’s authority.