Dictionary formcertus, certa, certum
Translation
certain, sure; fixed, definite
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Examples
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We have heard nothing certain about the war.
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They met in the forum on an appointed day.
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Reliable friends are recognised in danger.
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The king was informed about the enemy.
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A sure road leads to the city.
Certus, certa, certum comes from cerno, "to sift, to decide", and the older half of the meaning is "settled, fixed" rather than "sure": certo die, "on an appointed day", certus numerus, "a set number". Only after that does it slide towards confidence.
Of a person it means reliable; with a genitive or a de-phrase it means sure of something, certus victoriae. The comparative certior carries the single most useful idiom in Latin prose composition: aliquem certiorem facere, "to inform someone", literally to make them more certain, with the news in an accusative and infinitive or an indirect question. The adverb certe means "at any rate, at least" as well as "certainly", and it is often a concession rather than an assertion.
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certus: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Latin word "certus" (certain, sure; fixed, definite): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is taught in chapter 4, lesson 1: certus, cura, reliquus and 6 more words.