certain

(adjective, determiner)

adjective

1. definite but not specified or identified

- set aside a certain sum each week

- to a certain degree

- certain breeds do not make good pets

Similar word(s): definite

2. having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

- felt certain of success

- was sure (or certain) she had seen it

Similar word(s): confident, convinced, positive, sure

3. 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

- the date for the invasion is certain

Similar word(s): definite, indisputable, sure

4. certain to occur; destined or inevitable

- he was certain to fail

- his fate is certain

- In this life nothing is certain but death and taxes

Similar word(s): bound, destined, doomed, fated, foreordained, predestinate, predestined, predictable, sure

5. established irrevocably

Similar word(s): sealed

6. reliable in operation or effect

- a quick and certain remedy

Similar word(s): dependable, reliable, sure

7. exercising or taking care great enough to bring assurance

- be certain to disconnect the iron when you are through

Similar word(s): careful, sure

Sentences with certain as an adjective:

- I was certain of my decision.

- Bankruptcy is the certain outcome of your constant gambling and lending.

determiner

1. Having been determined but unspecified. The quality of some particular subject or object which is known by the speaker to have been specifically singled out among similar entities of its class.

- Certain people are good at running.