English Profile

certain · adjective

/ˈsɜrt.ən/Full view

Word family

Nouns: certainty, uncertainty, certain

Adjectives: certain, uncertain

Adverbs: certainly, uncertainly

certain (NO DOUBT)

B1 never before noun completely sure of something, or knowing without doubt that something is true

Dictionary examples:

I feel certain (that) you're doing the right thing.

Are you absolutely certain (that) you gave them the right number?

I'm not certain how much it will cost.

He was quite certain about/of his attacker's identity.

Learner example:

I'm certain that in your country weddings are as wonderful as in Brazil. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

certain (SURE TO HAPPEN)

B1 sure to happen, to do something, or to be true

Dictionary examples:

It now looks certain that she will resign.

One thing is certain: she's not coming to my party.

How can we make certain that she sees the note?

Learner example:

If I were you I'd choose the large school because it's certain that you'll find people [there] that think like you. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

certain (PARTICULAR)

B1 always before noun used to refer to a particular person or thing without naming or describing them

Dictionary example:

The museum is only open at certain times of the day.

Learner example:

The last one I saw was called 'Spelling' and it was a kind of quiz where the competitors had to spell difficult words fast and finish at a certain time. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

a certain

B2 used before a noun when it is difficult to describe something exactly or give its exact amount

Dictionary example:

He's got a certain charm.

Learner example:

There was still that gleam and a certain kind of pride which let me assume once she must have been a strong lady. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

know/say for certain

C1 to know something without doubt

Dictionary example:

We don't know for certain whether she's coming.

Learner example:

The rules may be considered a bit too strict, the teaching methods too "old-fashioned", but I know for certain that this course gives very good preparation in [Busi]ness English. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Italian)