Certian vs. Certain — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 1, 2024
"Certian" is an incorrect spelling, while "Certain" is correct, denoting definite, sure, or established beyond doubt.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Certian or Certain
How to spell Certain?
Certian
Incorrect Spelling
Certain
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Associate "Certain" with "Curtain" – both have "r" before "t."
Picture someone saying, "I am certain, A-I?" emphasizing the order of "a" and "i."
"Certainty" is derived from "Certain"; retaining the "a-i" sequence.
Remember that "a" comes before "i" in "Certain," just like in the alphabet.
Think of "Certain" as "Cer-tain," where "tain" sounds like "train" which always follows a set track.
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How Do You Spell Certain Correctly?
Incorrect: I'm not certian if I can make it to the party.
Correct: I'm not certain if I can make it to the party.
Incorrect: Are you certian you locked the door?
Correct: Are you certain you locked the door?
Incorrect: She feels certian that she aced the exam.
Correct: She feels certain that she aced the exam.
Incorrect: He is certian that this is the right decision.
Correct: He is certain that this is the right decision.
Incorrect: It's certian that the project will be completed on time.
Correct: It's certain that the project will be completed on time.
Certain Definitions
Destined or inevitable.
Death is certain for all living beings.
Specific but not explicitly named or stated.
Certain individuals seem to have all the luck.
Definite; fixed
Set aside a certain sum each week.
Sure to come or happen; inevitable
Certain success.
Established beyond doubt or question; indisputable
What is certain is that every effect must have a cause.
Capable of being relied on; dependable
A quick and certain remedy.
Having or showing confidence; assured
I'm certain I left my keys in this room.
Not specified or identified but assumed to be known
Felt that certain breeds did not make good pets.
Named but not known or previously mentioned
A certain Ms. Johnson.
Perceptible; noticeable
A certain charm.
A certain air of mystery.
Not great; calculable
To a certain degree.
A certain delay in the schedule.
Sure, positive, not doubting.
I was certain of my decision.
Spain is now certain of a place in the finals.
(obsolete) Determined; resolved.
Not to be doubted or denied; established as a fact.
Actually existing; sure to happen; inevitable.
Bankruptcy is the certain outcome of your constant gambling and lending.
Unfailing; infallible.
Fixed or stated; regular; determinate.
Known but not specifically named; indeterminate; indefinite; one or some; sometimes used independently as a noun, and meaning certain persons; see also "one".
Having been determined but not specified.
Certain people are good at running.
(with of) Unnamed or undescribed members (of).
She mentioned a series of contracts, of which certain are not cited.
Assured in mind; having no doubts; free from suspicions concerning.
To make her certain of the sad event.
I myself am certain of you.
Determined; resolved; - used with an infinitive.
However, I with thee have fixed my lot,Certain to undergo like doom.
Not specifically named; indeterminate; indefinite; one or some; - sometimes used independenty as a noun, and meaning certain persons.
It came to pass when he was in a certain city.
About everything he wrote there was a certain natural grace und decorum.
Certainty.
A certain number or quantity.
Certainly.
Definite but not specified or identified;
Set aside a certain sum each week
To a certain degree
Certain breeds do not make good pets
Certain members have not paid their dues
A certain popular teacher
A certain Mrs. Jones
Having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured;
Felt certain of success
Was sure (or certain) she had seen it
Was very sure in his beliefs
Sure of her friends
Established beyond doubt or question; definitely known;
What is certain is that every effect must have a cause
It is certain that they were on the bus
His fate is certain
The date for the invasion is certain
Certain to occur; destined or inevitable;
He was certain to fail
His fate is certain
In this life nothing is certain but death and taxes
He faced certain death
Sudden but sure regret
He is sure to win
Established irrevocably;
His fate is sealed
Capable of being depended on;
A quick and certain remedy
A sure way to distinguish the two
Wood dust is a sure sign of termites
Exercising or taking care great enough to bring assurance;
Be certain to disconnect the iron when you are through
Be sure to lock the doors
Sure or confident about something.
I'm certain that she will come on time.
Established beyond doubt or question; definite.
It is certain that the sun rises in the east.
Reliable; dependable.
That's a certain sign of progress.
Certain Meaning in a Sentence
It's certain that we will face challenges, but we will overcome them.
She was certain of her choice, despite the doubts of others.
In certain cases, exceptions can be made to the rule.
A certain person left these flowers for you at the front desk.
There are certain things we need to discuss before the meeting.
The outcome of the experiment is not certain until all data are analyzed.
I have a certain feeling that something great is going to happen today.
Certain ingredients in this recipe can be substituted if you prefer.
In certain situations, it's better to listen more and speak less.
There's a certain charm to this old house that I just love.
I'm certain that we've met before, but I can't remember where.
A certain level of stress can actually improve performance.
It's important to be certain about your goals and how to achieve them.
To be certain, let's double-check the figures one more time.
Certain books have a profound impact on our thinking and worldview.
It's certain that technology will continue to evolve rapidly.
She has a certain way of making everyone feel welcome.
I'm not certain what time the event starts, so let's arrive early.
Certain traditions are important to keep alive for future generations.
There's a certain satisfaction in completing a difficult task.
Certain Idioms & Phrases
No certain terms
Used to describe a situation where something is stated clearly and unequivocally.
She told him in no uncertain terms that she was not interested.
A certain je ne sais quoi
A French phrase used in English to describe an indescribable or inexpressible quality.
The portrait has a certain je ne sais quoi that captivates everyone who sees it.
For certain
To know something with complete assurance or confidence.
We know for certain that the event will be held next week.
A certain someone
Refers to a person not named but known to the speaker and listener.
A certain someone forgot to turn off the lights again.
Common Curiosities
What is the root word of Certain?
The root word is "certus" from Latin.
What is the verb form of Certain?
"Certain" is primarily an adjective. There isn't a direct verb form for it.
Which vowel is used before Certain?
The letter "a" is used in "certain."
Why is it called Certain?
"Certain" comes from the Latin word "certus" meaning "determined" or "settled."
What is the pronunciation of Certain?
Certain is pronounced as SUR-tuhn.
Is Certain a negative or positive word?
"Certain" is neutral but can have positive connotations depending on context.
What is the plural form of Certain?
"Certain" doesn't have a traditional plural form, but you can have certain "things" or "items."
Is Certain a noun or adjective?
Certain is an adjective.
What is the singular form of Certain?
"Certain" is singular.
Which preposition is used with Certain?
"Of" is commonly used (e.g., certain of the outcome).
Is Certain a countable noun?
No, it's primarily an adjective.
Which article is used with Certain?
Both "a" and "the" can be used (e.g., a certain item, the certain truth).
Is Certain a collective noun?
No.
How many syllables are in Certain?
There are two syllables.
What is the opposite of Certain?
Uncertain.
Which determiner is used with Certain?
Both "a" and "the" can be used, as well as possessives like "my," "your," etc.
Which conjunction is used with Certain?
Any conjunction can be used, depending on the sentence.
Is the Certain term a metaphor?
No, but it can be used in metaphorical contexts.
Is Certain an adverb?
No, "certainly" is the adverbial form.
Is Certain an abstract noun?
No, but "certainty" is.
Is Certain a vowel or consonant?
"Certain" is a word, not a letter. It starts with the consonant "c."
Is the word “Certain” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Certain" is primarily an adjective, but in context, it can function as either.
How do we divide Certain into syllables?
Cer-tain.
What is another term for Certain?
Sure.
How is Certain used in a sentence?
"I am certain that we made the right decision."
Is the word Certain imperative?
No.
Is the word Certain a gerund?
No.
What is a stressed syllable in Certain?
The first syllable "Cer" is stressed.
What part of speech is Certain?
Adjective.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
