certitude

noun

cer·​ti·​tude ˈsər-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce certitude (audio)
 also  -ˌtyüd
plural certitudes
1
: the state of being or feeling certain
2
: certainty of act or event
3
: something that is certain : certainty
In the United States, death is feared … . Though it is a certitude that we all must deal with someday …Anne M. Johnson
Choose the Right Synonym for certitude

certainty, certitude, conviction mean a state of being free from doubt.

certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof

claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

, while certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

Examples of certitude in a Sentence

believes with certitude that he is the best candidate for the job
Recent Examples on the Web In an era when people with platforms tend to be obsessed with their own certitude, facts be damned, this is a breath of fresh air. Longreads, 27 Sep. 2024 With Creighton in the fold, the eight-team field was publicly unveiled in mid-June, but certitude would still be a ways off. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2024 That the sheep are still on the air, dispensing undiminished certitudes, is evidence of two things. George F. Will, Washington Post, 8 July 2024 But no one can say with certitude that democracy will be significantly damaged. Philip Bump, Washington Post, 3 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for certitude 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'certitude.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin certitudo, from Latin certus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of certitude was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near certitude

Cite this Entry

“Certitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certitude. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

certitude

noun
cer·​ti·​tude ˈsərt-ə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce certitude (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on certitude

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