Certain
/ˈsɜːr.tən/noun
Known for sure; established beyond doubt.
Did you know?The word 'certain' is derived from a term meaning 'to sift or separate', which ties it to the ancient idea of distinguishing truth from illusion.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱer-
“to be distinguished, to separate”
Latin
Latin
certus
“settled, determined, sure”
Old French
Old French
certain
“sure, certain, fixed”
Middle English
Middle English
certain
“certain, sure, definite”
Modern English
English
certain
“known for sure; established beyond doubt.”