certainadj.n.adv.
/ˈsəːt(ᵻ)n/, U.S. /ˈsərtn/ A. adj.
I. Definite, fixed, sure.† 5. Blending senses A. 1, A. 4 Obsolete.† b. Self-determined, resolved; steadfast. (Cf. Latin certus mori.) Obsolete.
1.
a. Determined, fixed, settled; not variable or fluctuating; unfailing. To avoid ambiguity from confusion with sense A. 7, the adjective is sometimes put after its noun, as a certain day, a day certain. certain price: in Foreign Exchanges, the fixed sum in one currency, of which the value is expressed by a varying sum in another.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > stability, fixity > [adjective]
truea1225
certain1297
standing1457
surec1475
stable1481
finite1493
resident1525
determinate1526
staid?1541
constantc1550
undiscomfitablea1555
inveterate1563
sound1565
unwanderinga1569
fixed1574
undisturbable1577
wishly1578
unremovable1579
inveterated1597
immoved1599
rigid1610
staple1621
consistent1648
irradicable1728
incoercible1756
hard and fast1822
unstrangulable1824
lockstep1831
statical1853
static1856
flatline1946
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (1724) 378 To a man to bere þeruore a certeyn rente by þe ȝere.
1461–83 Liber Niger Edw. IV in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 18 A formal and convenient custume more certayne than was used byfore his tyme.
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxvii. 176 That which produceth any certaine effect.
1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke 6 Musicke is included in no certaine bounds.
1611 Bible (King James) 1 Cor. iv. 11 We..haue no certaine dwelling place. View more context for this quotation
1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 384 The number of them hath not beene certaine in our dayes: at this time there are about sixty and eight..in former ages, they were but twelue.
1670 J. Milton Hist. Brit. ii. 94 Wandring up and down, without certain seat.
1741 T. Robinson Common Law of Kent v. 79 A Fair or Market with Toll certain.
1811 J. Campbell Rep. Cases Nisi Prius 2 573 The defendant took the apartments ‘for 12 months certain, and six months' notice afterwards’.
1845 H. J. Stephen New Comm. Laws Eng. II. 111 Payment of money on a day certain.
1866 A. Crump Pract. Treat. Banking vii. 146 Paris is said to give to London the ‘uncertain’ for the ‘certain’ price, when a [varying] number of francs and cents are exchanged for the £ sterling.
b. Definite, exact, precise. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > [adjective] > definite or determinate
firm1377
determinatec1386
certain1393
determinablec1400
precisec1443
finite1493
well-defined1551
definite1553
determined1570
set1594
perfixed1601
formed1605
punctual1615
well-marked1620
definitive1624
determinated1635
determinativea1676
clear-cut1843
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 143 So that his word be..so certeine, That in him be no double speche.
1541 T. Wyatt Declar. in K. Muir Life & Lett. (1963) 181 The certayne tyme, how longe I tarried after..I remembre not.
1676 A. Marvell Gen. Councils in Wks. (1875) IV. 152 The answer is now much shorter and certainer.
1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. i. i. 18 No way of determining..what is the certain Bulk of the living Being each man calls himself.
1827 T. Jarman Powell's Ess. Learning of Devises (ed. 3) II. 75 It is of more importance that rules of this description should be certain.
2.
a. Sure, unerring, not liable to fail; to be depended upon; wholly trustworthy or reliable.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > faithfulness or trustworthiness > [adjective]
soothfastc825
truefastOE
i-treowec1000
unfakenOE
trueOE
sickerc1100
trigc1175
strustya1250
steel to the (very) backa1300
true as steela1300
certainc1325
well-provedc1325
surec1330
traistc1330
tristc1330
trustya1350
faithfula1382
veryc1385
sada1387
discreet1387
trust1389
trothfulc1390
tristya1400
proveda1425
good-heartedc1425
well-trusted?a1439
tristfulc1440
authorizablea1475
faithworthy?1526
tentik1534
fidele1539
truthfulc1550
suresby1553
responsible1558
trestc1560
reliable1569
cocksurea1575
sound1581
trustful1582
truepenny1589
true (also good, sure) as touch1590
probable1596
confident1605
trustable1606
axiopistical1611
loyala1616
reposeful1627
confiding1645
fiducial1647
laudable1664
safe1667
accountable1683
serious1693
sponsible1721
dependable1730
unfailing1798
truthya1802
trustworthy1829
all right1841
stand-up1841
falsehood-free1850
right1856
proven1872
bankable1891
secure1954
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > reliability > [adjective]
sickerc1100
very1303
certainc1325
trustyc1390
soothfasta1400
surea1400
unfailingc1400
unfailablea1525
unfallible1529
infailable1561
reliable1569
cocksurea1575
faithful1611
infalliblea1616
well-proven1639
unfallida1641
indefailable1693
securea1729
pukka1776
c1325 Coer de L. 3028 Rychard bad his men seche For some wys clerk and sertayn leche..For to loke hys uryn.
c1330 (?c1300) Guy of Warwick (Auch.) l. 900 His stede Þat certeyne was, and gode at nede.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12785 To bring fra iohn certan tiþand.
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. i. f. 12 The righter and certainer mark to know him by.
1650 R. Stapleton tr. F. Strada De Bello Belgico vii. 40 I have no more, nor no certainer Intelligence then others.
1752 S. Johnson Rambler No. 203. ⁋2 To repose upon real facts, and certain experience.
1834 M. Somerville On Connexion Physical Sci. (1849) xv. 141 A certain indication of a coming tempest.
b. Sure to come or follow; inevitable.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > [adjective] > sure to happen
certaina1300
sure1496
secure1582
stone ginger1936
a1300 Cursor Mundi 23732 Es nathing certainur þan dede, Ne vncertainner þan es þe tide.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. i. sig. A6 Fearefull more of shame, Then of the certeine perill he stood in.
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 29 Those certaine tortures, he had doubtlesse receiued, had he stood vpon his Iustification.
1669 T. Shadwell Royal Shepherdess v Such..Do on themselves the certain'st ruin bring.
1884 A. C. J. Gustafson Found. Death Pref. 6 Truth's laborious but certain advance.
c. Sure in its operation or effects; ‘unfailing; that always produces the expected effect’ (Johnson).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > reliability > [adjective] > in operation
certain1636
1636 E. Dacres tr. N. Machiavel Disc. Livy II. 593 There is no truer nor certainer way, than to make them doe some foule act against him.
1702 R. Mead Mech. Acct. Poisons in C. Hitch et al. Medical Wks. (1762) 87 I have often wished that I knew as certain a remedy for any other distemper.
1771 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. lxi. 283 The abuse of a valuable privilege is the certain means to lose it.
1809 J. Roland Amateur of Fencing 80 To give any certain directions to deceive the adversary would be impossible.
3. Established as a truth or fact to be absolutely received, depended, or relied upon; not to be doubted, disputed, or called in question; indubitable, sure.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > [adjective]
wislyc1000
sickera1225
firm1377
unfailingc1400
decided1439
suredc1450
sure1470
infirmat1487
delivered1499
fast and sure1528
undeceivablea1535
undoubteda1535
certainc1540
true (also good, sure) as touch1590
constant1611
positivea1616
square1632
formal1635
unapocryphal1644
inconditional1646
inconditionate1654
undeceitful1673
unshakeable1677
unproblematic1683
unprecarious1688
unerring1697
safe1788
hard1791
unproblematical1792
decisive1800
dead-on1889
hands down1900
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 2273 Hit semes more sertain, sothely, to me..Hit may negh vs with noy.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Mark xiii. f. 29 It is muche certayner that that day shall cum, then it is certayne that summer foloweth after wynter.
1611 Bible (King James) Deut. xiii. 14 Then shalt thou enquire..and..if it be trueth, and the thing certaine, etc. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) ii. iv. 14 Duncans Horses, (A thing most strange, and certaine)..Turn'd wilde in nature. View more context for this quotation
1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding iv. xviii. 349 Whatsoever Truth we come to the discovery of, from the..Contemplation of our own clear Ideas, will always be certainer to us, than those which are conveyed to us by Traditional Revelation.
1705 S. Clarke Being & Attrib. God i. 19 One of the certainest and most evident Truths in the World.
1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. xv. 295 It is certain that Effects must have a Cause.
1761 D. Hume Hist. Eng. III. xlvi. 13 A fact as certain as it appears incredible.
1856 P. E. Dove Logic Christian Faith Introd. §2. 3 We can conceive nothing more absolutely certain than that we exist.
1877 E. R. Conder Basis of Faith iv. 175 It appears to me not only conceivable, but probable, if not certain.
4. Of persons: Fully confident upon the ground of knowledge, or other evidence believed to be infallible; having no doubt; assured; sure (= ‘subjectively certain’). Const. of a thing, that it is so. morally certain: so sure that one is morally justified in acting upon the conviction.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > [adjective]
sickerc1100
bolda1300
surec1330
trist1340
certain1362
traista1400
tresta1400
ensurec1430
suredc1450
absolute1483
firm1483
resolute1501
assured1523
satisfied1533
unperplexed1558
unblanked1570
resolved1577
secure1578
clear1604
constant1611
ungravelled1611
confidenta1616
definitea1616
fearless1634
decretory1651
positive1658
unbrangled1671
cocksure1672
convinced1685
reliant1702
unbewildereda1807
positivistic1893
hensure1929
tooting1932
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > [adjective] > morally
morally certain1645
1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. iii. 77 Þei timbrede not so hye, Ne bouȝte none Borgages, beo ȝe certeyne.
138. J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 362 We ben certein þat crist may not axe oþir obedience.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Rom. xv. 14 I my silf am certeyn of ȝou, for and ȝe ȝou silf ben ful of loue.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) ii. ii. 61 I know you could not lacke, I am certaine on't. View more context for this quotation
1645 Earl Glamorgan Let. 28 Nov. in Bodl. Carte MSS XVI. f. 264 I am morally certaine a totall assent from the Nuntio shall be declared to the propositions for peace.
1679 W. Penn Addr. Protestants ii. 146 A man can never be Certain of that, about which he has not the Liberty of Examining, Understanding, or Judging: Confident (I confess) he may be; but that's quite another thing than being Certain.
1796 H. Hunter tr. J.-H. B. de Saint-Pierre Stud. Nature (1799) I. 6 We are certain, at least, of the existence of those beings.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. II. iv. vi. 241 Besides one is not sure, only morally-certain.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Grandmother xxi, in Enoch Arden, etc. 124 I am not always certain if they be alive or dead.
a. Confirmed by experience or practice; well-founded, well-grounded; fully established.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > [adjective] > fixed, settled
to make it tautc1325
certain1393
assured1430
suredc1450
ascertaineda1513
ratified1533
testified1552
assecurit?1553
affirmed1568
settled1578
sure1582
fastened1596
secured1600
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 180 Whan they ben of the feith certein, They gone to Barbarie ayein.
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 303 He taught her till she was certeine Of harpe, citole and of riote.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 19507 Walcande fra stede to stede. in mare certain faiþ þen þai ware are.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 159/1 He was certeyn in the doctryne of the gospel.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > resolution or determination > [adjective]
stallc1275
unflichinga1340
adviseda1393
affirmed1440
constant1481
resolved1518
resolute1522
well-settled?1532
ratified1533
unbashed1536
bent1548
well-resolved1565
unabashed1571
determinate1587
undaunted1587
peremptory1589
confirmed1594
decretal1608
pight1608
intent1610
definitivea1616
unshrinkinga1616
naylessa1618
pitched1642
decisive1658
martyrly1659
certain1667
fell1667
decretory1674
martyrial1678
decretorian1679
invariable1696
unflinching1728
hell-bent1731
decided1767
determined1773
iron-headed1787
adamantine1788
unwincing1802
stick-at-nothing1805
adamant1816
hard-set1818
rock-like1833
bound1844
do-or-die1851
unbased1860
focused1888
capable de tout1899
purposive1903
go-for-broke1946
hard rock1947
take-no-shit1992
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 953 However I with thee have fixt my Lot, Certain to undergoe like doom, if Death Consort with thee. View more context for this quotation
1672 A. Marvell Let. 2 Nov. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 275 He doth still continue certain to the former resolutions.
1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding ii. xxi. 124 The certainer such determination is, the greater is the perfection.
6. By a change of construction, a person or agent is said to be certain to do a thing, when the fact that he will do it is certain. The use thus attaches itself logically to 1, and in such a sentence as ‘the town is certain to be taken’, certain might be referred to that sense.
ΚΠ
1653 I. Walton Compl. Angler ii. 49 I'l be as certain to make him a good dish of meat, as I was to catch him. View more context for this quotation
1868 E. Edwards Life Sir W. Ralegh I. xxiii. 537 The truth that honest and unselfish labour is just as certain to grow as it is to live.
1889 N.E.D. at Certain Mod. We are certain to meet him in the course of our rambles.
II. Particular but not fully identified.
7. † b. some certain: some particular, some…which might be particularized. Obsolete.† c. With plural n., often (like some) referring to number; usually: Some definitely, some at least, a restricted or limited number of.
a. Used to define things which the mind definitely individualizes or particularizes from the general mass, but which may be left without further identification in description; thus often used to indicate that the speaker does not choose further to identify or specify them: in singular = a particular, in plural = some particular, some definite.Different as this seems to be from sense A. 1, it is hardly separable from it in a large number of examples: thus, in the first which follows, the hour was quite ‘certain’ or ‘fixed’, but it is not communicated to the reader; to him it remains, so far as his knowledge is concerned, quite indefinite; it may have been, as far as he knows, at any hour; though, as a fact, it was at a particular hour. (The absolute uses are in B 4–6.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > [adjective] > a particular or certain
somec888
oneeOE
certain138.
some certain1561
138. J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 220 How religious men should kepe certayne Articles.
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 16 A certain ile, which Paphos Men clepe.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 8933 Ilk dai a certain hore, þar lighted dun of heuen ture Angels.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 242/1 Saynt domynyk spak to the pryour..of certeyne mater.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) John xi. f. cxxxvij A certayne man was sicke, named Lazarus.
1572 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Queen Elizabeth (1908) 411 A note of sarten thinges.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball ii. v. 152 The rootes be..covered with certayne scales.
1600 L. Lewkenor tr. A. de Torquemada Spanish Mandeuile f. 18v Theyr garments are made of a certaine fine woll, like Bombast.
c1600 Wriothesley's Chron. Eng. (1875) I. 61 In Aprill 1536, certen comyssions were sente into the weste countrye.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) v. i. 129 For certaine words he spake against your Grace. View more context for this quotation
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xix. 94 Not every one but Certain men distinguished from the rest.
1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 173. ⁋3 There are certain faces for certain Painters, as well as certain Subjects for certain Poets.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 37. ¶1 A Letter..directed to a certain Lady whom I shall here call by the Name of Leonora.
1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §1 In certain parts of America, Tarwater is made.
1805 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 14 437 The Reports which certain public associations have circulated.
1856 J. Ruskin Mod. Painters III. 73 Everything that is natural is, within certain limits, right.
1875 W. S. Jevons Money (1878) 5 If a certain quantity of beef be given for a certain quantity of corn.
1879 M. Arnold Equality in Mixed Ess. 65 Certain races and nations, are on certain lines pre-eminent and representative.
1887 (Police Notice) ‘Whereas certain persons unknown did, on the night of.., feloniously enter’, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > [adjective] > a particular or certain
somec888
oneeOE
certain138.
some certain1561
1561 T. Hoby tr. B. Castiglione Courtyer iv. sig. Qq.iiii In case some certeine Circe shoulde tourne into wilde beastes all the Frenche Kinges subiectes.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) ii. v. 5 A man is..neuer welcome to a place, till some certaine shot be paid. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) i. i. 88 His true Titles to some certaine Dukedomes, And generally, to the Crowne and Seat of France. View more context for this quotation
1734 A. Pope Ess. Man (rev. ed.) ii. 183 Lust, thro' some certain Strainers well refin'd, Is gentle Love.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > [adjective] > some or any > some at least
somec888
certainc1540
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 10947 There þai fourmyt a fest..Serten dayes by-dene duly to hold.
1582 G. Martin in Fulke Defence (1843) 229 You abuse the people for certain years with false translations.
1630 R. Norton tr. W. Camden Hist. Princesse Elizabeth i. 11 The Death of Queene Mary hauing beene certaine houres concealed.
1670 G. Havers tr. G. Leti Il Cardinalismo di Santa Chiesa ii. iii. 192 In Rome..he was certain months in the character of Ambassador.
d. Of positive yet restricted (or of positive even if restricted) quantity, amount, or degree; of some extent at least.
ΚΠ
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 9 Ther ys a certyn equyte & justyce among al natyonys & pepul.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 106. ¶6 His Virtues..are as it were tinged by a certain Extravagance.
1763 F. Brooke Hist. Lady Julia Mandeville I. 44 A prodigious passion for people of a certain rank, a phrase of which she is peculiarly fond.
1763 F. Brooke Hist. Lady Julia Mandeville I. 63 I knew her rage for title, tinsel, and ‘people of a certain rank’.
1810 G. Rose Diaries (1860) II. 476 Mr. Perceval..found a certain improvement in him.
1845 S. Austin tr. L. von Ranke Hist. Reformation in Germany III. 131 He kept up a certain degree of intercourse..with the Gonfaloniere Capponi.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. 123 The ice is disintegrated to a certain depth.
1875 W. S. Jevons Money (1878) 117 The bank makes a certain profit out of the business.
e. Sometimes euphemistically: Which it is not polite or necessary further to define. a certain age: an age when one is no longer young, but which politeness forbids to be specified too minutely: usually, referring to some age between forty and sixty (mostly said of women). Also, (a woman) of a certain description, i.e. of the demi-monde; in a certain condition, pregnant; a certain disease, venereal disease.
ΘΚΠ
the world > people > person > middle-aged person > [noun] > middle age
middle lifec1330
middle agec1400
mid-agec1450
middle eldc1450
middle yearsc1450
meridian1607
a certain age1748
mid-life1818
middle term1839
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > [adjective] > unchaste or sexually compliant (of women)
strumpeta1382
jadish1573
comingc1576
short heeled1591
loose in the hilts1598
loose-legged1598
loose-tailed1598
light-tailed1600
overscutched1600
stuprous1603
light-skirted1607
brothelly1608
light-heeled1611
wagtailed1648
loose-hilteda1652
feather-heeleda1674
loose-gowneda1717
frank1744
shake-tail1782
(a woman) of a certain description1803
hetaeric1868
round-heeled1926
floozy?1930
trampy1944
slack1951
slaggy1973
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > venereal disease > [noun]
bone acheOE
burning1382
crinkums1618
bone ague1659
crankum1661
venereal1843
jack1899
Jack-in-the-box1899
V.D.1920
a certain disease1927
social disease1978
the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > pregnancy or gestation > [adjective]
greatc1175
with childc1175
with childc1300
baggeda1400
bounda1400
pregnant?a1425
quicka1450
greaterc1480
heavyc1480
teeming1530
great-bellied1533
big1535
boundenc1540
impregnate1540
great-wombeda1550
young with child1566
gravid1598
pregnate1598
pagled1599
enceinte1602
child-great1605
conceived1637
big-bellieda1646
brooding1667
in the (also a) family way1688
in the (also that) way1741
undelivered1799
ensient1818
enwombeda1822
in a delicate condition1827
gestant1851
in pod1890
up the (also a) pole1918
in a particular condition1922
preg?1927
in the spud line1937
up the spout1937
preggy1938
up the stick1941
preggers1942
in pig1945
primigravid1949
preggo1951
in a certain condition1958
gestating1961
up the creek1961
in the (pudding) cluba1966
gravidated-
1748 Lady Fetherstonhaugh in Lady Chatterton Mem. Ld. Gambier (1861) I. ii. 25 Some very handsome ladies of a certain sort, who always make part of his suite.
1754 Connoisseur (1755) No. 44. 261 I could not help wishing on this occasion that some middle term was invented between Miss and Mrs. to be adopted, at a certain age, by all females not inclined to matrimony.
1803 J. Porter Thaddeus of Warsaw xxviii At the epoch, called a certain age, she found herself an old maid.
1803 J. G. Lemaistre Rough Sketch Mod. Paris xiv. 122 Women, too, of a certain description, do not ply for custom.
1803 J. G. Lemaistre Rough Sketch Mod. Paris xxviii. 232 When I first came here, I supposed that these ladies were of a certain description.
1818 Ld. Byron Beppo xxii. 12 She was not old, nor young, nor at the years Which certain people call a ‘certain age’, Which yet the most uncertain age appears.
1823 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto VI lxix. 35 A lady of a ‘certain age’, which means Certainly aged.
1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge i. 230 A very old house, perhaps as old as it claimed to be, and perhaps older, which will sometimes happen with houses of an uncertain, as with ladies of a certain age.
1882 Howells Out of Question His feet are set rather wide apart in the fashion of gentlemen approaching a certain weight.
1927 Rev. Eng. Stud. Oct. 433 As instances may serve lavatory, illegal operation, social evil, a certain disease.
1958 B. Nichols Sweet & Twenties viii. 103 ‘Syphilis’ had always been described as ‘a certain disease’, just as an attempt at rape had been described as ‘a certain suggestion’, and the result of the rape on the lady was described as leaving her in ‘a certain condition’.
f. With a proper name, it implies that the person so indicated is presumed to be unknown except by name = ‘a certain person called’ or ‘calling himself’; hence often conveying a slight shade of disdain.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > naming > anonymity or lack of a name > [adjective] > supplying name which is unknown or not remembered
certain1785
somethingean1836
somethingth1854
1785 W. Cowper Let. 7 Feb. (1981) II. 323 A certain Lord Archibald Hamilton has hired the House of Mr. Small..for a Hunting seat.
1811 M. R. Mitford Let. 2 July in A. G. L'Estrange Life M. R. Mitford (1870) I. v. 139 Mrs. Raggett brought with her a certain Miss Lucy.
1827 R. Southey Select. from Lett. (1856) IV. 348 A certain Benjamin Franklin French writes to me from New Orleans.
B. n. or elliptical.
I. Generally: what is certain.† 1. Fixed, settled, or appointed condition, order, etc.; certainty. Obsolete.† 2. † 3. The state of mental certainty, certitude. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > [noun] > a certainty, fact
soothc1374
certain1377
surety?a1475
probatum1594
experient1605
certaintya1616
factum1641
matter of breviary1694
definite1726
fixity1817
a settled thing (or matter)1819
monty1894
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. vi. 153 It is an vnresonable Religioun þat hath riȝte nouȝte of certeyne.
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 251 But every time hath his certain.
1631 T. Powell Tom of All Trades 146 Having no such pensions in certaine.
a. Certain state of matters, fact, or account; that which may be relied on; certainty. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > [noun]
mid iwissea1000
certaina1300
certaintya1340
sickerness1390
sickerty1405
sureness1419
redinessc1425
suretyc1425
surenessa1475
assurancec1485
certitude1538
constancy1563
assuredness1570
certainness1571
confirmedness1667
a1300 Cursor Mundi 27001 Sant paule sais of vr last dai, Es nan mai certain þer-of sai.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur (1816) II. 362 That knight that hurt him knew the very certain that he had hurt Sir Launcelot.
a1500 (?a1400) Sir Torrent of Portyngale (1887) l. 717 The sarten [to sey] with-owt lese, A scheff-chambyr he hym ches.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) cxliii. 530 He sent out his spyes to knowe the sartayne which waye the emperours nephue shulde come.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry V ii. i. 13 Thats the certaine of it.
1607 C. Lever in E. Farr Sel. Poetry Reign James I (1848) 169 Honour, beautie, nor desire of golde, Cannot the certaine of their death withhold.
b. for certain, in certain, etc.: see B. 7 – B. 9 below.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > [noun]
sickerlaika1225
sickerness?c1225
sickerheadc1250
boldness1330
certaintya1340
traistc1340
assurancec1374
certain138.
sureness1419
surancea1450
affiancec1460
certitude?a1475
resting?a1475
security1535
firmancec1540
confidence1555
assuredness1561
resolution1590
plerophory1598
reliance1606
undoubtfulness1619
positiveness1711
positivity1741
decidedness1800
positivism1842
undoubtingness1857
inexpugnability1864
138. J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 339 But as God wole of þre þingis, þat we knowun hem not in certein.
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 348 I hove In none certein betwene the two.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur (1817) II. 290 Than they were at certayne that they were of naturel colours withoute payntynge.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccxxxiii. 326 As than they were nat in certayne yf they shulde passe that way.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Chron. (1812) I. 464 It is of certayne that we shall conquere you.
II. Definite or fixed in terms of quantity.† 4. † b. elliptical. A fixed or definite sum of money.† 5. † b. Occasionally without of: cf. A. 7a. Obsolete.† c. elliptical. A fixed number of prayers or masses.† d. elliptical. A restricted number of persons; some. Obsolete.
a. A definite quantity or amount (of). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > [noun] > a definite or specified quantity or amount
quantitya1325
measurec1384
certainc1386
certainty1431
assignment1519
dosis1543
dose1607
matter1610
quantum1747
volume1812
c1386 G. Chaucer Canon's Yeoman's Prol. & Tale 471 Biseching him to lene him a certeyn Of gold.
c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 358 He ȝaf a certein of possessioun for fynding of lyȝtis.
1522 Accts. St. John's Hosp., Canterbury (Canterbury Cathedral Archives: CCA-U13/4) Paied for a certen of bryk by the lumpe.
1598 R. Grenewey tr. Tacitus Descr. Germanie iii, in Annales 265 To pay a certaine of corne, or cattell, or apparell.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > money > sum of money > [noun] > a certain or fixed sum
certain1330
sum1393
something1827
1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 39 For þes he þam bisouht, to gyf þam a certeyn.
1401 in T. Wright Polit. Poems & Songs (1859) II. 81 Ne non suffragies selle for a certeyn bi ȝere.
1505 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 135 A perpetual serteyn.. to be distribute to xij powre persons on seynt Brices day.
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) I. 256/1 The priests paying a certaine to the king.
a. A definite (restricted) number (of things).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > [noun] > particular qualities > definite or indefinite
certainc1374
quantitya1425
hundred1469
standard1545
'n1828
N1858
known1877
c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde iii. 547 She to soper come..With a certeyn of her owne men.
1462 J. Daubeney in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 278 Ye wolle late me have a serteyn of your bullokys for the vetelyng of the Barge.
1547 in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) II. ii. App. D 24 A certen of the wysest..men.
1549 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. II. 1 Pet. iii. f. xv Put of for a certayn of yeares.
1621 First & Second Bk. Discipline (Church of Scotl.) 9 A certaine of the nobilitie were convened.
ΚΠ
c1475 Antichrist & Disciples in J. H. Todd Three Treat. J. Wycklyffe (1851) p. cxlix To sett þereon her syngnet for a certeyne moneye.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. xiv. 13 A certayne noble knightis..she kept styl about her.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. John f. 119v After I haue taried a certayne dayes among them.
1556 in J. G. Nichols Chron. Grey Friars (1852) 70 [She] gave hare husbande a sartyne mony a yere dureynge hys lyffe.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > prayer > [noun] > prayers > fixed number of
certain1466
society > faith > worship > sacrament > communion > mass > [noun] > fixed number of
certain1466
1431 in Eng. Gilds (1870) 278 His certeyntee [1448 certeyn] of messes.]
1466 Expenses J. Paston's Funeral in Paston Lett. (1904) IV. 231 To the said parson for a certeyn unto Mighelmesse next after the said yere day, viiis. viiid.
1496 Will of John Burgh (P.R.O.: PROB. 11/10) f. 246 I bequeith xxxs. iiijd. for to have a certeyn rehersed in the church.
1849 D. Rock Church of our Fathers III. viii. 126.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > plurality > [noun] > more than one person or thing
sundry1399
diverse?c1450
divers1526
certain1532
severals1654
1532 T. More Confut. Tyndale in Wks. 611/1 God chooseth a certayne whome he lyketh.
1541 T. Paynell tr. Felicius Conspiracie of Catiline xxvii. f. 47 They chose out a certayne, whiche shulde besyege Pompeys house.
6. Closely related to this is the current (though somewhat archaic) use without a, both followed by of and absolutely, which may also be treated as a pronominal or absolute use of sense A. 7 in A.
a. of persons.
ΚΠ
1450 W. Somner in Four C. Eng. Lett. 3 He sente..certyn letters to certyn of his trustid men.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Acts xii. 1 To vexe certayne [ Wyclif sum men] of the congregacion.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 37 Polytyke rule..may be other under a prynce, commyn conseyl of certayn, or under the hole multytude.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 1709 Ector..and certen hym with.
1611 M. Smith in Bible (King James) Transl. Pref. 1 Certaine, which would be counted pillars of the State.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) i. iii. 121 I haue mou'd already Some certaine of the Noblest minded Romans. View more context for this quotation
b. of things.
ΚΠ
1841–8 F. Myers Catholic Thoughts II. iii. §17. 62 Certain of the Psalms.
1855 C. Dickens Little Dorrit (1857) i. iii. 26 Mrs. Clennam dipped certain of the rusks and ate them; while the old woman buttered certain other of the rusks.
III. Phrases.† 8. in certain: in truth, certainly, truly. Obsolete. [Compare Old French à certain, Dewes.]
7. for certain; formerly (and still dialect) also for a certain: as a certainty, assuredly. [= French pour certain, Littré.]
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > of course, certainly [phrase]
to iwissea1000
mid iwissea1000
in wisc1000
to wis(se)c1000
without(en (any) weenc1175
sans fail1297
thereof no strife1297
but werea1300
forouten werea1300
out of werea1300
without werea1300
without deceit1303
for certainc1320
it is to wittingc1320
withouten carec1320
without nayc1330
without noc1330
without (but out of) dread1340
no doubtc1380
without distancec1390
no fresea1400
out of doubta1400
without doubta1400
for, (in, at obs.), of, to (a) certaintyc1400
withouten stance14..
hazel woods shakea1413
of, on, in warrantisec1440
sure enough?1440
without question?1440
wythout diswerec1440
without any dispayrec1470
for (also of) a surety?a1475
in (also for) surenessa1475
of certainc1485
without any (also all) naya1500
out of question?1526
past question?1526
for sure1534
what else1540
beyond (also out of, past, without) (all) peradventure1542
to be a bidden by1549
out of (also without) all cry1565
with a witness1579
upon my word1591
no question1594
out of all suspicion1600
for a certain1608
without scruple1612
to be sure1615
that's pos1710
in course1722
beyond (all) question1817
(and) no mistake1818
no two ways about it (also that)1818
of course1823
bien entendu1844
yessiree1846
you bet you1857
make no mistake1876
acourse1883
sans doute1890
how are you?1918
you bet your bippy1968
c1320 Seuyn Sag. (W.) 2901 Sir, for sertayn, That wald I here and that ful fayn.
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1546) sig. B.iij For certaine al the fruites cometh not togither.
1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 48 It was reported for a certaine, that a Viper entring into a mans mouth [etc.].
1611 Bible (King James) Jer. xxvi. 15 But know ye for certaine, That, etc. View more context for this quotation
1646 O. Cromwell Let. 10 Aug. I hear for certain that Ormond has concluded a peace with the Rebels.
1706 E. Ward Hudibras Redivivus II. v. 23 He meant the Butcher, for a certain.
1718 Mem. Life J. Kettlewell i. §16. 39 He was for certain a most useful Member.
18.. R. Southey Roprecht iv Roprecht for certain is not dead!
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > [adverb]
mid or with (‥) soothc888
soothfastlya890
soothfastc950
rightOE
yeaOE
soothlyOE
soothOE
trulyc1225
soothrightc1275
purec1300
verament1303
verily1303
purelyc1325
verimentc1325
indeedc1330
veirec1330
soothfully1340
faithlyc1350
of very (due) right?a1366
leallya1375
amenc1384
in soothnessc1386
verya1387
in certaina1400
truea1400
without(en) wougha1400
in veirec1400
in deedc1405
without famec1430
in veramentc1450
utterlyc1460
veritably1481
veritable1490
voirably1501
seriously1644
quite1736
quite1881
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 11577 This was þe somme in certeyne [c1460 Laud in certayn]Of the childe þat were slayne.
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) lxiiii. 105 For in certayne he hath leyd thre egges.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) i. 52 In certeyn the duke of Aygremounte is ryght myghty.
1493 Petronylla (Pynson) 57 And she fulfylled his byddynge in certeyn Withoute grutchinge of virgynall mekenesse.
9. of a certain (archaic), formerly of certain: as a matter of certainty, certainly, assuredly. [= Old French de certain, Dewes.] To this may belong Caxton's a certain; but this may be from French (cf.8).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > of course, certainly [phrase]
to iwissea1000
mid iwissea1000
in wisc1000
to wis(se)c1000
without(en (any) weenc1175
sans fail1297
thereof no strife1297
but werea1300
forouten werea1300
out of werea1300
without werea1300
without deceit1303
for certainc1320
it is to wittingc1320
withouten carec1320
without nayc1330
without noc1330
without (but out of) dread1340
no doubtc1380
without distancec1390
no fresea1400
out of doubta1400
without doubta1400
for, (in, at obs.), of, to (a) certaintyc1400
withouten stance14..
hazel woods shakea1413
of, on, in warrantisec1440
sure enough?1440
without question?1440
wythout diswerec1440
without any dispayrec1470
for (also of) a surety?a1475
in (also for) surenessa1475
of certainc1485
without any (also all) naya1500
out of question?1526
past question?1526
for sure1534
what else1540
beyond (also out of, past, without) (all) peradventure1542
to be a bidden by1549
out of (also without) all cry1565
with a witness1579
upon my word1591
no question1594
out of all suspicion1600
for a certain1608
without scruple1612
to be sure1615
that's pos1710
in course1722
beyond (all) question1817
(and) no mistake1818
no two ways about it (also that)1818
of course1823
bien entendu1844
yessiree1846
you bet you1857
make no mistake1876
acourse1883
sans doute1890
how are you?1918
you bet your bippy1968
c1485 Digby Myst. (1882) ii. 229 I know of a certayn.
1493 Chastysing Goddes Chyldern (de Worde) xvii. sig. Diiv/1 Yf we knew a certen ye suche men deyed wythout repentaunce.
1574 Brieff Disc. Troubles Franckford p. xcvii It began to be muttred off certeyne that the Magistrate had forbydden that we shulde go forwarde in the election.
1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine ii. iv. 112 They..who of a certain report, that, etc.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth iv, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. I. 106 Of a certain, those whingers are pretty toys.
C. adv.† 3. Emphasizing sooth, true, sure. Obsolete or dialect.
1. Certainly, of a truth, assuredly. (Mostly parenthetic = certainly adv. 4.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > [adverb] > assuredly, indeed
soothlyc825
forsoothc888
wiselyc888
sooth to sayOE
i-wislichec1000
to (‥) soothOE
iwis?c1160
certesa1250
without missa1275
i-witterlic1275
trulyc1275
aplight1297
certc1300
in (good) fayc1300
verily1303
certain1330
in truthc1330
to tell (also speak, say) the truthc1330
certainlya1375
faithlya1375
in faitha1375
surelya1375
in sooth1390
in trothc1390
in good faitha1393
to witc1400
faithfullyc1405
soothly to sayc1405
all righta1413
sad?a1425
in certc1440
wella1470
truec1480
to say (the) truth1484
of a truth1494
of (a) trotha1500
for a truth?1532
in (of) verity1533
of verityc1550
really1561
for, in, or into very?1565
indeed1583
really and truly1600
indeed and indeed1673
right enough1761
deed1816
just1838
of a verity1850
sho1893
though1905
verdad1928
sholy1929
ja-nee1937
only1975
deffo1996
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > [adverb]
iwis?c1160
sickerlyc1175
wisc1175
wislyc1200
i-witterlic1275
sickerc1275
certc1300
hardilyc1300
hardlya1325
certain1330
tristilya1350
certainlya1375
redelya1375
redilya1375
surelyc1380
hand in handa1382
righta1393
assuredlya1400
surea1400
naturallyc1425
in certc1440
ascertainly1477
soverly1513
perqueer1568
really1604
assurelya1626
just1687
pos1710
besure1743
verdad1928
1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 82 My boke sais certayn, þat he gaf neuer þat rede.
?a1400 Arthur 501 Þus worschup god dude certeyn To Englond, þat þo was Bretayn.
c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 377 And ellis certeyn they weere to blame.
?1504 S. Hawes Example of Vertu sig. ee.viiv It brenneth hote lyke fyre certeyn.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice ii. vi. 29 Lorenzo certaine, and my loue indeed. View more context for this quotation
1704 N. Rowe Ulysses iv. i. 1768 She is lost—most certain—gone irrevocable.
1859 J. R. Bartlett Dict. Americanisms (ed. 2) Certain, for certainly. ‘He's dead certain’. ‘I'll go to-morrow sure and certain’. Very common.
1872 M. S. De Vere Americanisms 450 He's done it sure and certain.
2. With certainty, surely.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > [adverb]
trulyOE
boldlyc1175
sickerlyc1275
tristly1340
redelya1375
redilya1375
surelyc1380
tristilyc1380
certainc1384
faithfullyc1384
trustilyc1390
certainlya1400
trustlya1400
undoubtinglyc1400
absolutely?a1425
positivelyc1443
assuredly1508
traist1508
traistfully1508
crousea1525
constantlya1538
resolutely1540
suredly1551
trestly1568
cocksure1579
resolvedly1610
assurantly1619
emphatically1629
decretorily1660
convincedly1812
unmisgivingly1842
solid1937
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds xxiii. 20 As thei ben to sekinge sum thing certeynere [a1425 Sidney Sussex more certeynly of him].
1744 R. North & M. North Life Sir D. North & Rev. J. North 30 There is no Place..in which an ingenious Person comes sooner and certainer to Preferment, than in the Turkish Court.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > [adverb]
i-wislichec1000
wislyc1000
yernec1000
wellOE
wisc1175
sickera1275
without missa1275
redlyc1275
certainlya1375
sadc1380
confirmedlyc1449
certaina1500
undeceitfully1571
notionless1607
ascertainably1863
absotively1914
a1500 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. I. 205 Certain sothe.
a1593 H. Smith Wks. (1867) II. 401 Being most undoubted and certain true.
1804 R. Southey in J. W. Robberds Mem. W. Taylor (1843) I. 482 You will, I am certain-sure, be well pleased.
1875 W. D. Parish Dict. Sussex Dial. Certain Sure, the superlative of certainly.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1889; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
† certainv.
Obsolete. rare.
transitive. To make certain; to certify.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > assure, make certain [verb (transitive)] > establish as fact, ascertain
trowa901
lookc1175
take1469
ascertaina1513
certain1523
favoura1530
establish1533
try1542
try1582
tie1623
secure1630
to make sure1644
true1647
determine1650
determinate1666
authenticate1753
constatea1773
verify1801
validate1957
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. cclxx. 401 He certeyned them how he wolde ryde forthe.
Derivatives
certaining n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > [noun]
certaininga1300
faitha1382
certifyinga1387
assuring1530
certification1533
assurance1609
securement1622
certioration1653
ensurance1654
assecurationa1656
insurance1660
a1300 Cursor Mundi 26973 Bot if þat it be suilk a thing þat þou wat of na certanyng.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1889; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
<
adj.n.adv.1297
v.a1300