Skip to main content
certificate

certificate

307 2.7
A document that proves something is true, like a qualification or ownership
  • noun
  • /sərˈtɪfɪkɪt/
translation icon : certificado
  • After the exam, she proudly held her certificate with her name on it.
  • birth certificate
  • degree certificate
  • certificate program

And her death certificate said she died of old age.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • Children received a small gift and an "Infant Scientist" certificate as a token of appreciation for their participation.

    Academic text (2015)
  • In cases of uncertainty, the physician who completed the death certificate is contacted to provide additional information.

    Academic text (2012)
  • And her death certificate said she died of old age.

  • Yeah, I think when you get there, they give you like your certificate, like with your name on it.

  • Each of the three students receives a certificate for their hard work throughout the week.

    Academic text (2013)
  • And we're going to be giving out a certificate that you will have to earn to acquire.

  • First, people must have a teacher's certificate before applying for the PE teacher employment examination.

    Academic text (2011)
  • All of the participants receive a special Fluency Idol certificate for their efforts.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Children received stickers and small prizes or certificates for participating in the tasks.

    Academic text (2013)
  • - Here's your certificate.

Synonyms

credential
vscertificate
165 5.3

An official paper that shows a person's identity or qualifications

is a document stating a particular fact like ownership, achievement, or qualification
certification
vscertificate
35 3.8

An official paper that proves something is true or someone is qualified

is the single issued document stating the fact rather than the whole process
cert
vscertificate
  • Informal
9 8.3

A document that shows someone finished a course or training

is the neutral formal term used for an official proof document
official document
vscertificate
  • Formal
5 3.3

A record issued by an authority that shows a legal agreement or gives a right

is a specific proof for achievements, ownership, or qualifications rather than contracts
credentials
vscertificate
1 3.8

Documents or certificates that show who a person is, their qualifications and their role

is usually a single issued document stating one fact or qualification

Compounds

An official paper that shows a person's name, date, and place when they were born

3 4.1

A paper from a bank showing you deposit money for a fixed time to earn interest

An official paper that shows someone can teach in public schools

stock certificate
  • Specialized
3 5.4

A paper that shows you own shares in a company

1 8.7

U.S. paper money that people could exchange for silver

An official paper from the government that shows a company is legally formed

1 3.4

An official paper that shows a person can teach in public schools

bond certificate
  • Specialized
4.9

An official paper that shows a loan to a government or company, with amount, interest, and payback date

8.6

A written paper that shows a person owes money and promises to pay it back

A company that sells certificates and promises to pay a fixed amount on a set date

An official exam taken by students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland at about 16

An official paper that shows who owns and is responsible for a business owned by one person

An official document showing how much each person owns in a business

How Official

charter
  • Formal
253 4.9
diploma
149 2.8
certificate
307 2.7
statement
  • Formal
1.3
note
1.0

Surface Forms

certificate singular
certificates plural

Etymology

Certificate comes from the Latin parts certus ('certain') and facere ('to make'), so it originally meant 'to make certain'. A certificate is a paper that makes a fact 'certain', for example your course completion, ownership, or birth.