confirm Definition
- 1to make sure that something is true or correct, or to make a fact or statement certain
- 2to establish the truth or correctness of something that was previously uncertain or in question
Using confirm: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "confirm" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Can you confirm your reservation number?
Example
The DNA test confirmed that he was the father.
Example
I need to confirm with my boss before I can give you an answer.
confirm Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for confirm
- corroborate
- authenticate
- verify
- validate
- substantiate
Idioms Using confirm
confirm somebody in something
to strengthen someone's belief or conviction in something
Example
His success confirmed him in his belief that hard work pays off.
confirm something in writing
to provide written proof or confirmation of something
Example
Please confirm your acceptance of the job offer in writing.
confirm somebody's worst fears
to prove that something bad that someone feared is actually true
Example
The test results confirmed her worst fears about her health.
Phrases with confirm
confirmed bachelor
a man who is not married and is unlikely to ever marry
Example
He's a confirmed bachelor and has no interest in settling down.
confirmed alcoholic
a person who is addicted to alcohol and has been for a long time
Example
After years of heavy drinking, he became a confirmed alcoholic.
confirmed skeptic
a person who habitually doubts or questions accepted opinions or beliefs
Example
She's a confirmed skeptic and always asks for evidence before believing anything.
Origins of confirm
from Latin 'confirmare', meaning 'strengthen, establish'
Summary: confirm in Brief
To 'confirm' [kənˈfɜːm] means to establish the truth or correctness of something that was previously uncertain or in question. It is often used to make sure that something is true or correct, exemplified by 'Can you confirm your reservation number?' 'Confirm' extends into phrases like 'confirmed bachelor,' and idioms like 'confirm somebody in something,' denoting strengthening of beliefs, and 'confirm somebody's worst fears,' implying proving bad news.
