WordGarden.iocertainty
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɜːtənti/
US
- /ˈsɜrtənti/
Meanings
Noun
the state of being sure or free from doubt
a fact or outcome considered sure to be true or to happen
Beyond the definition
Certainty isn't just knowing something; it's feeling absolutely sure about it. It's the opposite of doubt. You might have certainty that the sun will rise tomorrow, or a child might express certainty that monsters live under their bed!
Certainty can be based on evidence – like scientific proof – but sometimes it comes from strong belief or intuition. A detective might gather clues to reach certainty about who committed a crime, while an artist might work with certainty in her vision for a painting. We also use it for something that is guaranteed: "It's a certainty that winter will come." It's a powerful feeling (and sometimes an overconfident one) that shapes our decisions and actions. Think of the phrase "beyond a shadow of a doubt" – that's certainty!
Certainty is a state of being completely sure about something, free from doubt or hesitation. It goes beyond simply believing; it implies an unwavering conviction in the truth or reality of a fact, belief, or outcome. For example: "She spoke with absolute certainty about her future plans," suggests she had no doubts whatsoever.
Certainty can stem from various sources. Scientific evidence often provides a basis for certainty – like the certainty that gravity exists. However, it can also be rooted in personal experience, intuition, or faith. A seasoned sailor might have certainty about an approaching storm based on years of observing weather patterns.
The concept of certainty is crucial in many fields. In law, "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" aims to establish certainty regarding guilt or innocence. In mathematics and logic, certainty is achieved through rigorous proof and deduction. However, it's important to remember that absolute certainty can be elusive, especially when dealing with complex issues.
Certainty is also used for a sure thing or an inevitable event: "The only certainty is change," or "Victory was no certainty." You'll often hear it in phrases like "with certainty" (clearly and without doubt) or "to a certainty" (as a firm conclusion). In real life, we also talk about degrees of certainty, because being sure can come in shades rather than absolutes.
Sometimes we pretend to have certainty to project confidence, even if we harbor hidden doubts. A politician might speak with certainty about a policy, hoping to sway public opinion. But true certainty is a powerful and often rare state of mind – one that allows us to act decisively and navigate the world with conviction.
Examples
- 1
Investigation
We still don't know the cause of the fire with certainty.
- 2
Confident speech
She spoke with such certainty that nobody questioned her.
- 3
Storm warning
By late afternoon, there was growing certainty that the storm would hit the coast.
- 4
Career decision
He wanted more certainty about his future before leaving his job.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Medical outcome
There is no certainty that the treatment will work for every patient.
- Patternthere is no certainty that + clause
it is not guaranteed that it will happen
- 6
Investing
Investors look for businesses that can offer some certainty in difficult times.
- 7
Scientific knowledge
The value of science is not that it gives complete certainty, but that it reduces doubt.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- with certainty
- absolute certainty
- moral certainty
- degree of certainty
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- certaintynoun
Forms
- certaintiespluralnoun