Certainty

Definition

Certainty refers to the quality of being reliably true, without doubt, or absolutely sure about something. It is often associated with facts, knowledge, or beliefs that are believed to be irrefutable or universally accepted.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɜːrtnti/
• Respelling: SUR-tuhn-tee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɜːtnti/
• Respelling: SUR-tuhn-tee

Etymology

The word "certainty" originates from the Old French word "certeineté," which is derived from the Latin "certus," meaning "sure" or "settled." The term entered Middle English in the 14th century, carrying the sense of something established or assured as a truth.

Derivatives

• Certainty (noun)
• Certify (verb)
• Certain (adjective)
• Certifiable (adjective)
• Certitude (noun)

Synonyms

• Assurance
• Confidence
• Conviction

Antonyms

• Uncertainty
• Doubt
• Ambiguity

Usage

The noun "certainty" is often used to describe situations, beliefs, or facts that are known or understood without question. For example, "There is no certainty about the future of the project," or "The certainty of her success was evident to everyone." It is commonly used in philosophical, scientific, and everyday contexts to refer to things that are believed to be absolute or guaranteed.

Related Terms

• Certitude: Absolute confidence or assurance in a belief or fact.
• Probability: The likelihood of something happening, often contrasted with certainty.
• Conviction: A firmly held belief or opinion.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The state of being certain or free from doubt: Refers to the quality of being sure or guaranteed.
  • Example: "He spoke with certainty about the results of the experiment."
• A fact that is definitely true or something known for sure: Refers to something established as a truth without question.
  • Example: "It is a certainty that the sun will rise tomorrow."
• Something inevitable: Refers to an event or outcome that is sure to happen.
  • Example: "The team's victory seemed like a certainty after their strong performance."