B1nounpsychologyacademic
US/ˈsɜːr.tən.ti/
UK/ˈsɜː.tən.ti/
the state of being completely sure about something, or something that is sure to happen
In context
I can say with certainty that he was at home that night.
There is no certainty that the flight will leave on time.
After years of uncertainty, she wanted the certainty of a permanent job.
Words that go with certainty
verb + preposition
- know with certaintyNobody can know with certainty what will happen next year.
- predict with certaintyDoctors cannot predict with certainty how the illness will develop.
adjective + noun
- absolute certaintyThere is no absolute certainty in science.
- a near certaintyRain tomorrow is a near certainty.
noun + preposition
- lack of certaintyThe lack of certainty made planning difficult.
- a degree of certaintyWe can predict the result with a degree of certainty.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I know it for certainty.Correct: I know it for certain. / I know it with certainty.