Certify
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3
Authority Needed
Use 'certify' when an official or authoritative statement is made, not just personal opinions. Only after the inspection, could the engineer certify the bridge's safety.
Pro Tip 2/3
Formal Situations
'Certify' is formal and typically used in official documents, certificates, and legal contexts. The diploma certifies her graduation from university.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not Always Positive
'Certify' doesn't imply something is positive, just that it's confirmed to be true. The auditor certified the company's loss at $1 million.