Certificate
/sərˈtɪfɪkət/noun
An official document that states a fact, qualification, or right.
Did you know?Its Latin root is tied to *certus* (“sure, settled”), the same ancient idea behind *secure* and *cure* — words about making something fixed and safe.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
certus
“sure, settled, decided”
Latin
Latin
certificare
“to make certain, assure, verify”
Late Latin
LLat
certificātus
“certified, made certain”
Old French
Old French
certificat
“a certificate, written attestation”
Middle English
English
certificat
“a written declaration or proof”
Modern English
English
certificate
“an official document attesting to a fact, status, or qualification”