Certain
/ˈsɜːrtn/
Certain means sure or confident, and also refers to a particular or some.
Examples
- He avoided certain questions about his past.
- I need certain supplies for the trip.
- We will discuss certain topics at the meeting.
- They felt certain about the project's success.
- She mentioned certain details that were confidential.
Meanings
From Latin certus meaning fixed or settled, which passed into Middle English as certain.
Examples
- Certain people prefer coffee over tea.
- She was certain that she had locked the door.
- It is certain that the sun will rise tomorrow.
- They felt certain about the project's success.
- He answered certainly, leaving no doubt.
Derived from the same Latin root certus, later used to indicate a specific but not identified thing.
Examples
- I need certain supplies for the trip.
- There are certain risks involved in climbing.
- She mentioned certain details that were confidential.
- We will discuss certain topics at the meeting.
- He avoided certain questions about his past.