certain

Everyday

1. Certain means sure, with no doubt: «I am certain». tree →
2. A certain thing is one that will happen for sure. tree →
3. «A certain» means a particular one that is not named: «a certain boy in our class». tree →
4. «Certain» before a plural means some: «certain foods». tree →

In the lessons

In school maths: in chance problems an event that always happens (impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, certain); also «a certain number» meaning some unknown number to find. In everyday life: «Are you certain?», «for certain». Phrases: «for certain», «make certain», «certain to», «a certain amount».

Examples

• It is certain that the ball is red if all balls are red. tree →
• A certain number plus 5 is 12. tree →
• Is it certain, possible or impossible? tree →
• He thinks of a certain number. tree →
• It is certain that the sun will rise tomorrow. tree →
• Are you certain you locked the door? tree →
• Certain plants are poisonous to dogs. tree →
• Rain is likely but not certain. tree →
• “A schoolmate of his, a certain Pinocchio.” tree →

Note

«Certain» is a bit stronger than «sure». «Certainly» means of course. Maths: «a certain number» is the unknown to find. In chance problems it means always (probability 1). Trap: «likely» is not «certain».

In Jewish tradition

Used as in older English to mean "a particular, unnamed" person or group. In the primary lessons: In school maths: in chance problems an event that always happens (impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, certain); also «a certain number» meaning some unknown number to find. In everyday life: «Are you certain?», «for certain». Phrases: «for certain», «make certain», «certain to», «a certain amount».

Examples

• And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field. (Torah GEN.37.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; and he took her, and went in unto her. (Torah GEN.38.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. (Torah GEN.38.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• And of the Levites, certain courses in Judah were joined to Benjamin. (Writings NEH.11.36, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then there went certain persons, and told David how the men were served. (Writings 1CH.19.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me. (Prophets EZK.14.1, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Certain» is a bit stronger than «sure». «Certainly» means of course. Maths: «a certain number» is the unknown to find. In chance problems it means always (probability 1). Trap: «likely» is not «certain».