B2noun1K

Certainty

UK /["/ˈsɜːtnti/"]/US /["/ˈsɜːrtnti/"]/

Definition

the state of being certain

In simple words: Being sure about something.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • 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

  • confidence
  • assurance
  • conviction
  • surety
  • reliability

Antonyms

  • doubt
  • uncertainty

Common mistakes

  • 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