verify
Please verify your identity by clicking the link in the email.
Confirm that you are who you claim to be using the provided link.
to establish the truth, accuracy, or validity of something
The police verified his alibi through security footage.
The police confirmed the truth of his claim using video evidence.
Implies a higher degree of certainty and effort than 'check'.
to authenticate a user's identity or data in a digital system
You must verify your account before making a purchase.
You need to prove your account details are correct to proceed.
Common in cybersecurity and online services.
to formally confirm a legal document or statement
The witness verified the contract under oath.
The witness officially confirmed the contract's validity while swearing to tell the truth.
Often involves legal consequences for false verification.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Verification vs. Validation
In technical contexts, 'verify' means checking if something is built correctly (matches specs), while 'validate' means checking if it meets user needs. In general English, they are often interchangeable.
Gold Rule
Formality Level
Avoid using 'verify' in casual conversation about simple checks (e.g., 'I verified the time' is too stiff; use 'I checked the time').
Word Origin
From Latin 'verificare', combining 'verus' (true) and 'facere' (to make).
Usage Notes
Use 'verify' when precision and proof are required. 'Check' is more casual; 'verify' implies a successful confirmation of truth.