certain
definite but not specified or identified
How often you will meet it
Rank 334 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 60,927 times across 139,755 chapters — 0.029% of every word in the library.
It belongs to the first 500 words, the band worth learning before any other.
What it means
adjective
- definite but not specified or identified set aside a certain sum each weekto a certain degree
- having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured also: sure felt certain of successwas sure (or certain) she had seen it
- established beyond doubt or question; definitely known what is certain is that every effect must have a causeit is certain that they were on the bus
- certain to occur; destined or inevitable also: sure he was certain to failhis fate is certain
- established irrevocably also: sealed his fate is sealed
- reliable in operation or effect also: sure a quick and certain remedya sure way to distinguish the two
certain in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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At his death D'Aubusson is certain to be elected Grand Master.
A Knight of the White Cross · G. A. (George Alfred) Henty · Chapter 1
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You have acted certain murders here in Rome, Bloody and full of horror.
The White Devil · John Webster · Chapter 1
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I find him in the curves of certain lines, in the loveliness and subtleties of certain colours.
The Picture of Dorian Gray · Oscar Wilde · Chapter 1
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A certain royal duke had been much pleased with her and people had said some very nasty things about it.
Emily Fox-Seton · Frances Hodgson Burnett · Chapter 1
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As the Fenians always do exactly what they promise to do, this may be relied upon as certain to happen.
Punchinello, Volume 1, No. 08, May 21, 1870 · Various · Chapter 1