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CERTAIN
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Exercising or taking care great enough to bring assurance
Example:
be sure to lock the doors
Synonyms:
Classified under:
Similar:
careful (exercising caution or showing care or attention)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Established beyond doubt or question; definitely known
Example:
the date for the invasion is certain
Classified under:
Similar:
definite (known for certain)
indisputable; sure (impossible to doubt or dispute)
sure as shooting (absolutely certain)
Attribute:
certainty; foregone conclusion; sure thing (something that is certain)
Antonym:
uncertain (not established beyond doubt; still undecided or unknown)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
Example:
sure of her friends
Synonyms:
certain; sure
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
confident; convinced; positive (persuaded of; very sure)
Attribute:
certainty (the state of being certain)
assurance; authority; confidence; self-assurance; self-confidence; sureness (freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities)
Antonym:
uncertain (lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance)
Sense 4
Meaning:
Certain to occur; destined or inevitable
Example:
he is sure to win
Synonyms:
certain; sure
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
bound; destined ((usually followed by 'to') governed by fate)
doomed; fated ((usually followed by 'to') determined by tragic fate)
foreordained; predestinate; predestined (established or prearranged unalterably)
in for (certain to get or have)
Also:
predictable (capable of being foretold)
Antonym:
uncertain (not certain to occur; not inevitable)
Sense 5
Meaning:
Definite but not specified or identified
Example:
a certain Mrs. Jones
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
definite (precise; explicit and clearly defined)
Sense 6
Meaning:
Reliable in operation or effect
Example:
wood dust is a sure sign of termites
Synonyms:
certain; sure
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
dependable; reliable (worthy of reliance or trust)
Sense 7
Meaning:
Established irrevocably
Example:
his fate is sealed
Synonyms:
certain; sealed
Classified under:
Adjectives
Context examples:
But there is a certain sense of equity that resides in life, and it was this sense in him that resented the unfairness of his being permitted no defence against the stone-throwers.
(White Fang, by Jack London)
You bring with you certain fine conceptions of humanity, manhood, conduct, and such things; but here you will find them misconceptions. I have found it so, I added, with an involuntary sigh.
(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)
To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love; and very lively hopes of Mr. Bingley's heart were entertained.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
People with certain changes in the gene for melanotropin receptor have a higher risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer that begins in melanocytes).
(Melanotropin receptor, NCI Dictionary)
Memantine hydrochloride blocks the uptake of calcium by certain brain cells and decreases their activity.
(Memantine hydrochloride, NCI Dictionary)
People with certain changes in the gene for melanocortin 1 receptor have a higher risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer that begins in melanocytes).
(Melanocortin 1 receptor, NCI Dictionary)
Mekinist blocks certain proteins, which may help keep cancer cells from growing and may kill them.
(Mekinist, NCI Dictionary)
If the label says don't give to children under a certain age or weight, don't do it.
(Medicines and Children, Food and Drug Administration)
Menatetrenone may act by modulating the signalling of certain tyrosine kinases, thereby affecting several transcription factors including c-myc and c-fos.
(Menatetrenone, NCI Thesaurus)
It may also be used to treat certain other conditions, such as Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.
(Mercaptopurine, NCI Dictionary)
