be certain

/biː ˈsɜːtn/

to be sure or confident

She wants to be certain before making a decision.

She wants to be confident and sure before making a decision.

general

to be confident or sure about something

Before investing, be certain of the risks involved.

Before investing, make sure you understand the risks involved.

I need to be certain that the information is accurate.

I need to be confident that the information is correct.

This phrase is often used to emphasize the need for confidence or assurance in a situation.

Collocations

be certain ofto be confident about something specificbe certain thatto be sure about a particular fact or condition

Synonyms

be sure be confident be positive be convinced

Antonyms

be uncertain be doubtful be unsure

Related Phrases

make certainphrase

to ensure something happens or is true

be surephrase

to be confident or certain about something

Pro Tip

Emphasizing Confidence

Use 'be certain' to emphasize the importance of being confident or sure about something, especially in formal or important situations.

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal Use

'Be certain' is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but it is often used in more formal or serious discussions.

Word Origin

The phrase 'be certain' comes from the Old French 'certain' meaning 'fixed, settled, or determined,' which in turn comes from the Latin 'certus' meaning 'resolved, fixed, or settled.'

Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express confidence or assurance. It can be used in various situations, such as decision-making, communication, or verification of information.

Word Breakdown

to exist or occur

verb

certain

confident or sure

adjective

English Dictionary

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