different between avow vs certify

English

Etymology

From Middle English avowen, from Old French avouer, from Latin advocare (“to call to, call upon, hence to call as a witness, defender, patron, or advocate”), from ad (“to”) + vocare (“to call”). Doublet of advoke, avouch, and advocate.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??va?/
• Rhymes: -a?

Verb

avow (third-person singular simple present avows, present participle avowing, simple past and past participle avowed)

1. (transitive) To declare openly and boldly, as something believed to be right; to own, acknowledge or confess frankly.
2. (transitive) To bind or devote by a vow.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Wyclif to this entry?)

3. (law) To acknowledge and justify, as an act done. See avowry.

Antonyms

• disavow

Related terms

Translations

Noun

avow

1. (obsolete) avowal

   • without thy Knowledge and Avow

Further reading

• avow in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• avow in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• avow at OneLook Dictionary Search

English

Etymology

From Old French certefier (“confirm, assure, make certain”). Compare French certifier.

Verb

certify (third-person singular simple present certifies, present participle certifying, simple past and past participle certified)

1. (transitive) To attest to (a fact) as the truth.
2. (transitive, law) To authenticate or verify in writing.
3. (transitive) To attest that a product, service, organization, or person has met an official standard.

   These blankets have been certified as fireproof.

4. (transitive, archaic) To inform; to tell (a person) that something is true.
   • 1847, The Church of England Magazine (volume 23, page 239)

     Our deeds do us three manners of service. First, they certify us that we are heirs of everlasting life, and that the Spirit of God, which is the earnest thereof, is in us.

5. (archaic, reflexive) To assure (oneself) of something; to ascertain.
   • 1751, Tobias Smollett, The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle, vol. III, ch. 80:

     After having certified himself of her own good health, he very kindly inquired about her mother and Miss Sophy […] .

Synonyms

• (to attest as to): attest, witness, vouch for, approve, confirm

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

References

• certify at OneLook Dictionary Search
• certify in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

Anagrams

• cretify, rectify