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confirm
/kənˈfɜːrm/
make certain
Please confirm your email address before proceeding.
This example shows asking someone to verify their email address to ensure it is correct.
formal
To establish the truth or correctness of something by evidence or proof.
The scientist conducted experiments to confirm her hypothesis.
The example illustrates verifying a scientific theory through testing.
The bank requires you to confirm your identity with a photo ID.
This shows needing proof to validate someone's identity.
Commonly used in formal contexts like science, law, and business. Often paired with 'that' clauses (e.g., 'confirm that the data is accurate').
Business
formal
To make a reservation or arrangement definite.
We need to confirm our hotel booking for next week.
This refers to finalizing a reservation to ensure it is secured.
Used in travel, event planning, and service industries to finalize details.
formal
To give approval or support to a statement, belief, or action.
The therapist confirmed the patient's feelings were valid.
This shows acknowledging and validating someone's emotions.
In psychology, often used to affirm a person's experiences or emotions.
Collocations
confirm the detailsverify the specificsconfirm a reservationfinalize a bookingconfirm receiptacknowledge receiving somethingconfirm identityvalidate who someone is
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid redundancy with 'confirm'
Do not use 'confirm again' or 'reconfirm'—'confirm' already implies repeating the action. Instead, say 'reconfirm' only in contexts like 'reconfirm your booking' where the repetition is clear.
Gold Rule
Use 'confirm' for verification, not agreement
Use 'confirm' when you are verifying facts or details, not when you are simply agreeing with someone. For example, say 'I confirm the meeting is at 3 PM' (verifying time) rather than 'I confirm your opinion' (use 'agree' instead).
Word Origin
From Latin *confirmare* (to strengthen, establish), combining *con-* (together) and *firmare* (to make firm). Entered English in the 14th century via Old French *confirmer*.
Usage Notes
Avoid using 'confirm' when 'agree' or 'acknowledge' would suffice, as 'confirm' implies verification rather than mere acceptance. In formal writing, 'confirm' is preferred over 'verify' for abstract concepts (e.g., 'confirm a theory'), while 'verify' is often used for concrete checks (e.g., 'verify a password').
Word Breakdown
con-
together, with
prefix-firm-
firm, strong
root-are
verb suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary