confirm
UK[kənˈfɜːm]US[kənˈfɜːrm]
v
To state or show that something is definitely true or correct, especially by providing evidence.
v
To make a position, agreement, or situation more definite or official.
v
To make someone a full member of the Christian Church in a ceremony.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
firm
con
together, thoroughly
firm
strong, steadfast
Etymology
The word "confirm" has a direct lineage from Latin confirmare, which is a compound of the intensive prefix con- and the adjective firmus, meaning "strong" or "stable." The literal sense was "to make thoroughly strong, to strengthen, to establish." This meaning entered Middle English via Old French confermer. Over time, the core idea of "strengthening" evolved semantically. To strengthen a statement or belief is to verify its truth, and to strengthen an arrangement is to ratify it formally. Thus, the modern abstract meanings of verifying truth, giving formal approval, and solidifying religious faith all logically flow from the original concept of making something firm and secure.
Analysis
Structure: con (together, thoroughly) + firm (strong, steadfast)
- con: A prefix from Latin com-, meaning "together, with, thoroughly." It functions as an intensifier in this word.
- firm: A root from Latin firmus, meaning "strong, steadfast, stable." It functions as the core semantic element.
Examples
The new evidence seems to confirm the scientist's original hypothesis.
Please confirm your attendance by replying to this email.
She will be confirmed in the cathedral next spring.