B2noun 1K

Certainty

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈsɜːtnti/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈsɜːrtnti/"]/

Meaning of Certainty

the state of being certain

In simple words: Being sure about something.

Certainty in a sentence

• There is no certainty that the president's removal would end the civil war.
• I can't say **with** any **certainty** where I'll be next week.
• There seems to be a lack of certainty over what we should do.
• It's difficult to predict with any degree of certainty how much it will cost.
• political/moral certainties
• Her return to the team now seems a certainty.
• It's a virtual certainty that essential foodstuffs will go up in price.
• The one certainty left in a changing world is death.
• As far as the economy is concerned, the only certainty is uncertainty.
• The end of the Cold War marked the collapse of many old political certainties.

How to use Certainty

Used in both written and spoken contexts. More formal than 'sure'. Appropriate in academic or serious discussions, but can also be used casually to emphasize confidence.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'certain tea' — imagine being sure about your favorite type of tea.

Related words

Collocations with Certainty

• absolute
• complete
• near
• degree
• with certainty
• a lack of certainty
• the one certainty
• the only certainty
• absolute
• complete
• near
• degree
• with certainty
• a lack of certainty
• the one certainty
• the only certainty

Synonyms for Certainty

• confidence
• assurance
• conviction
• surety
• reliability

Opposites of Certainty

• doubt
• uncertainty

Common mistakes with Certainty

• Confused with 'certainty' vs 'certainly'
• Using 'certainty' with a verb instead of as a noun
• Believing it can be used in place of 'sure' in informal contexts

Frequently asked questions about Certainty

What does Certainty mean?

Being sure about something.

What is the definition of Certainty?

the state of being certain

How do you use Certainty in a sentence?

There is no certainty that the president's removal would end the civil war.

Can you give another example of Certainty?

I can't say **with** any **certainty** where I'll be next week.

What are synonyms for Certainty?

Common alternatives include confidence, assurance, conviction, surety, reliability.

What is the opposite of Certainty?

Opposite meanings include doubt, uncertainty.

What words go with Certainty?

It commonly pairs with absolute, complete, near, degree, with certainty, a lack of certainty, the one certainty, the only certainty, absolute, complete, near, degree, with certainty, a lack of certainty, the one certainty, the only certainty.

What are common mistakes when using Certainty?

Confused with 'certainty' vs 'certainly' Using 'certainty' with a verb instead of as a noun Believing it can be used in place of 'sure' in informal contexts

How do you pronounce Certainty?

US: /["/ˈsɜːrtnti/"]/, UK: /["/ˈsɜːtnti/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Certainty?

Used in both written and spoken contexts. More formal than 'sure'. Appropriate in academic or serious discussions, but can also be used casually to emphasize confidence.

What CEFR level is Certainty?

"Certainty" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.