confirm

 
Pronunciation: /kənˈfəːm/

verb

[with object]
  • 1establish the truth or correctness of (something previously believed or suspected to be the case): if these fears are confirmed, the outlook for the economy will be dire [with clause]: the report confirms that a diet rich in vitamin C can help to prevent cataracts
  • [reporting verb] state with assurance that a report or fact is true: [with clause]: he confirmed that the general was in the hands of the rebels [with direct speech]: ‘It is indeed proper coffee,’ I confirmed
  • (confirm someone in) reinforce someone in (an opinion or feeling): he fuelled his misogyny by cultivating women who confirmed him in this view
  • make (a provisional arrangement or appointment) definite: Mr Baker’s assistant telephoned to confirm his appointment with the chairman
  • make (a decision or an agreement) formally valid: the organization has confirmed the appointment of Mr Collins as managing director
  • declare (someone) formally to be appointed to a particular post: he was confirmed as the new EC peace envoy
  • 2administer the religious rite of confirmation to: he had been baptized and confirmed

Derivatives

confirmative

adjective

confirmatory

adjective

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French confermer, from Latin confirmare, from con- 'together' + firmare 'strengthen' (from firmus 'firm')