certified

Everyday

1. Officially shown to have passed a test or to meet a standard (a certified teacher, certified organic). tree →
2. Officially confirmed as true (a certified copy). tree →
3. (informal, slang) Truly, completely (a certified legend, certified genius). tree →
4. Past form of certify: to state officially that something is true. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life: certified copies of documents, certified first-aiders, certified organic food. In formal exam language: «the results were certified by the judges». Slang: «He's a certified legend» means he really is great.

Examples

• She is a certified first-aid trainer. tree →
• The eggs are certified organic. tree →
• Bring a certified copy of your birth certificate. tree →
• The judges certified the record. tree →
• That goal was certified class! (slang) tree →
• Only certified electricians may fix the wiring. tree →

Note

Verb: certify, certifies, certified (y to i). Noun: certificate, certification. In the UK, old slang «certified» also meant officially declared mad; that use is unkind.