certainty

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsəːt(ə)nti, -tɪn-/

noun (plural certainties)

[mass noun]
  • firm conviction that something is the case: she knew with absolute certainty that they were dead
  • the quality of being reliably true: there is a bewildering lack of certainty and clarity in the law
  • a general air of confidence: a man exuding certainty
  • [count noun] a fact that is definitely true or an event that is definitely going to take place: the passing of the act made a general election a certainty
  • [count noun] a person that is certain to do or win the specified thing: he was expected to be a certainty for a gold medal

Phrases

for a certainty

beyond the possibility of doubt: he knew they would come again for a certainty

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French certainete, from certain (see certain)