a certain
idiom
1
—used to refer to a quality that is noticed but that is difficult to explain or describe
She has a certain elegance about her.
The house has a certain charm.
2
formal
—used with the name of a person one does not know
In 1889, a certain Mr. Kelly made a large donation to the church.
Examples of a certain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
James Jones’ contract is also due to end in June but this can be extended by a clause triggered by a certain number of appearances, while Fletcher’s earlier-than-expected return to fitness has seen Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, signed as a free agent in November, drop out of the frame in the league.
—
Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Many were encouraged to propose a certain number of targets each day, according to five officers.
—Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024
There’s a school of thought that believes if storytellers are from — or telling stories about — a marginalized community, everything should be portrayed with exacting accuracy, meaning that performers from a certain region shouldn’t play characters from a different region, for example.
—Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 26 Dec. 2024
While the brooches Queen Camilla fastened to her coat collar held significant sentimental value, the color of her ensemble also featured a certain sartorial message.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 26 Dec. 2024
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Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Many were encouraged to propose a certain number of targets each day, according to five officers.
—Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024
There’s a school of thought that believes if storytellers are from — or telling stories about — a marginalized community, everything should be portrayed with exacting accuracy, meaning that performers from a certain region shouldn’t play characters from a different region, for example.
—Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 26 Dec. 2024
While the brooches Queen Camilla fastened to her coat collar held significant sentimental value, the color of her ensemble also featured a certain sartorial message.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for a certain
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Cite this Entry
“A certain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20certain. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
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