certitude

noun

cer·​ti·​tude ˈsər-tə-ˌtüd 

 also  -ˌtyüd

plural certitudes

1

: the state of being or feeling certain

2

: certainty of act or event

3

: something that is certain : certainty

In the United States, death is feared … . Though it is a certitude that we all must deal with someday …

—Anne M. Johnson

Synonyms

• assurance
• assuredness
• certainty
• cocksureness
• confidence
• conviction
• doubtlessness
• face
• positiveness
• satisfaction
• sureness
• surety

Choose the Right Synonym for certitude

certainty, certitude, conviction mean a state of being free from doubt.

certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof

claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

, while certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

Examples of certitude in a Sentence

believes with certitude that he is the best candidate for the job

Recent Examples on the Web

But no one can say with certitude that democracy will be significantly damaged. —Philip Bump, Washington Post, 3 July 2024

But notwithstanding the calamitous loss of life and untold destruction and misery that the conflict has wrought, there is little certitude as to how Biden’s plan will fare. —Salam Fayyad, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2024

His face flickers with a mix of disbelief and certitude; her eyes are on him. —Mallika Rao, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024

Winehouse’s true legacy will not for a moment be forgotten, and the forthcoming biopic Back to Black – aptly titled after Amy’s history-making album of the same name – will further ensure this certitude. —Spin Contributor, SPIN, 10 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin certitudo, from Latin certus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

certitude

noun

cer·​ti·​tude ˈsərt-ə-ˌt(y)üd 

: certainty