certify
Meaning
to state officially that something is true or correct, especially by providing a formal document.
to declare someone legally insane.
Structure
Usage
the accountant will certify the financial statements as accurate.
this document certifies that you have completed the required training.
after the evaluation, the court had to certify him under the mental health act.
Etymology
the word 'certify' entered english in the late 14th century from the old french 'certifier', meaning to assure or confirm. this french term was derived from the late latin 'certificare', a compound of 'certus' (sure, fixed) and the verb-forming element '-ficare' (to make). the latin 'certus' itself originates from the past participle of 'cernere', meaning to decide or distinguish, a verb with proto-indo-european roots related to sifting and separation. thus, the etymological journey moves from the concrete act of sifting to decide, to the abstract state of being certain, and finally to the modern legal and formal act of making something officially sure through documentation or declaration.
Analysis
cert (from latin 'certus', meaning sure, settled, determined; functions as the root conveying certainty). ify (from latin '-ificare', via old french '-fier', a verb-forming suffix meaning 'to make').