certificate

Everyday

1. A certificate is an official paper that proves something is true, like a birth certificate, a certificate of baptism, or a certificate for passing an exam. tree →
2. A certificate is a prize paper given for an achievement, like a swimming certificate or a star-of-the-week certificate. tree →
3. (film) A certificate is the age rating of a film, such as PG or 12. tree →

In the lessons

In school, pupils get certificates in assembly for good work, attendance or swimming badges. In adult life, important certificates are kept safe: birth, marriage and death certificates, exam certificates for a CV, and house papers. A film's certificate tells parents which ages it suits. Phrases: birth certificate, death certificate, get a certificate, award a certificate, a PG certificate.

Examples

• I got a certificate for swimming twenty-five metres. tree →
• Mum keeps our birth certificates in a folder. tree →
• The head gave out certificates in Friday assembly. tree →
• You need your exam certificates when you apply for a job. tree →
• The film has a 12 certificate, so I'm too young. tree →
• The baptism certificate shows the church's name. tree →
• "Bring a certificate from the old moor-hen," said he, "that you have slept away half your time in fatherland; then you will be treated with some consideration." tree →

Note

Countable. Say "ser-TIF-ik-ut". Verb certify (to state officially). Keep certificates safe; copies may need to be official.