Certain meaning

What does “certain” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“certain” is an adjective with 7 meanings. Its most common meaning is: definite but not specified or identified.

certain

definite but not specified or identified
“set aside a certain sum each week”
“to a certain degree”
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
“felt certain of success”
“was sure (or certain) she had seen it”
Synonymssure
Oppositesuncertain
established beyond doubt or question; definitely known
“what is certain is that every effect must have a cause”
“it is certain that they were on the bus”
Oppositesuncertain
certain to occur; destined or inevitable
“he was certain to fail”
“his fate is certain”
Synonymssure
Oppositesuncertain
established irrevocably
“his fate is sealed”
Synonymssealed
reliable in operation or effect
“a quick and certain remedy”
“a sure way to distinguish the two”
Synonymssure
exercising or taking care great enough to bring assurance
“be certain to disconnect the iron when you are through”
“be sure to lock the doors”
Synonymssure

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University