WordGarden.ioconfirmation
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kɒnfəmˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌkɑnfərˈmeɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
proof or verification that something is true, correct, or certain
a message or document acknowledging that an arrangement, order, or booking is official
formal approval of someone for an official position
More meaningsFewer meanings
a Christian rite in which a baptized person affirms their faith
Beyond the definition
Confirmation isn't just about ticking a box. It's that satisfying sense of certainty you get when a belief or a hunch is finally proven true. Think of a detective gathering clues; each piece of evidence brings them closer to the confirmation of their theory. Or imagine the relief of planning a trip and finally receiving your flight confirmation—that simple email is the assurance that everything is officially set.
Confirmation can be a routine "yes," like confirming a dinner reservation, but it also reaches into deeper territory. It's the backbone of science, where theories wait for confirmation from data, and it's the quiet peace you feel when your gut confirms you've made the right choice. Be careful, though—we often fall into confirmation bias, where we only look for information that supports what we already want to believe!
At its core, confirmation is the act of verifying something, establishing its truth, or receiving the final assurance that a situation is correct. It is the process of solidifying an expectation with evidence. For instance, saying "the lab tests provided confirmation of the virus's presence" means the results moved the situation from a suspicion to a proven fact.
In everyday language, confirmation often acts as a formal "seal of approval." You see this in the business world with confirmation numbers for appointments or in the government when a high-ranking official must undergo a confirmation hearing before they can legally take the role. It is also a significant term in many religious traditions, referring to a ceremony where an individual publicly affirms their faith and strengthens their commitment to their community.
Psychologically, the word takes on a cautionary note through confirmation bias. This describes our natural tendency to favor information that reinforces our existing beliefs while ignoring evidence that challenges them. This highlights how deeply we crave confirmation—sometimes even at the expense of the truth.
Whether you are receiving a text message that confirms your weekend plans, a scientist validating a groundbreaking discovery, or a judge being confirmed to a court position, confirmation is the bridge between uncertainty and established truth.
Examples
- 1
Booking email
Your booking is not complete until you receive confirmation by email.
- 2
Medical advice
I'll wait for confirmation from the doctor before I change my travel plans.
- 3
Delivery details
We need written confirmation of the new delivery date.
- Phrasewritten confirmation
an official letter, email, or document
- 4
Official news
There has been no official confirmation that the store is closing.
- Patternconfirmation that + clause
proof or an official statement that something is true
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Job decision
Her quick reply was taken as confirmation that she wanted the job.
- Phrasetaken as
understood in that way
- 6
Client approval
Before we announce anything, we need final confirmation from the client.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- written confirmation
- confirmation email
- awaiting confirmation
- confirmation of receipt
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- confirmationnoun
Forms
- confirmationspluralnoun