certain certain /ˈsɝːtən/

adjective

1. () Definite but not specified or identified  ( certain )
   definite but not specified or identified
    Set aside a certain sum each week
   set aside a certain sum each week
    To a certain degree
   to a certain degree
    Certain breeds do not make good pets
   certain breeds do not make good pets
    Certain members have not paid their dues
   certain members have not paid their dues
    A certain popular teacher
   a certain popular teacher
    A certain Mrs. Jones
   a certain Mrs. Jones
   
2. () Having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured  ( certain , sure )
   having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
    Felt certain of success
   felt certain of success
    Was sure (or certain) she had seen it
   was sure (or certain) she had seen it
    Was very sure in his beliefs
   was very sure in his beliefs
    Sure of her friends
   sure of her friends
   
3. () Established beyond doubt or question; definitely known  ( certain )
   established beyond doubt or question; definitely known
    What is certain is that every effect must have a cause
   what is certain is that every effect must have a cause
    It is certain that they were on the bus
   it is certain that they were on the bus
    His fate is certain
   his fate is certain
    The date for the invasion is certain
   the date for the invasion is certain
   
4. () Certain to occur; destined or inevitable  ( certain , sure )
   certain to occur; destined or inevitable
    He was certain to fail
   he was certain to fail
    His fate is certain
   his fate is certain
    In this life nothing is certain but death and taxes
   In this life nothing is certain but death and taxes
    He faced certain death
   he faced certain death
    Sudden but sure regret
   sudden but sure regret
    He is sure to win
   he is sure to win
   
5. Exercising or taking care great enough to bring assurance  ( certain , sure )
   exercising or taking care great enough to bring assurance
    Be certain to disconnect the iron when you are through
   be certain to disconnect the iron when you are through
    Be sure to lock the doors
   be sure to lock the doors
   
6. Reliable in operation or effect  ( certain , sure )
   reliable in operation or effect
    A quick and certain remedy
   a quick and certain remedy
    A sure way to distinguish the two
   a sure way to distinguish the two
    Wood dust is a sure sign of termites
   wood dust is a sure sign of termites
   
7. Established irrevocably  ( certain , sealed )
   established irrevocably
    His fate is sealed
   his fate is sealed