1
: the state of being or feeling certain3
: 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. JohnsonChoose the Right Synonym for certitude
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 Sentencebelieves with certitude that he is the best candidate for the job
Recent Examples on the Web Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback. Coyle may think not, but some of us will dismiss Coyle’s certitude not with magic, but with market signals. —John Tamny, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 That may sound bleak to the naturally self-doubting, as if success is the inheritance of those born with certitude and self-certainty pre-coded into their genes. —Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2025 Fukuyama's grand vision was, by the mid-2000s, a cautionary tale about the dangers of pat certitudes in ivory towers. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024 And in thinking about it, it should be said with certitude that those who feel fortunate enough to own bitcoin (and surely many feel this way) don’t really own money or a coin. —John Tamny, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for certitude Word HistoryEtymology
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 Cite this Entry“Certitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certitude. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
Last Updated: 1 May 2025 - Updated example sentencesLove words? Need even more definitions?
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