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

Speaking to Basso feels a bit like being a cast member on that show: His certitude buoys the conversation even as twists and abstractions come into play. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025

Their consultations and fittings are often quick and to the point, due largely to Trump’s certitude from years in fashion, Pierre has said. —Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 20 Jan. 2025

In an era when people with platforms tend to be obsessed with their own certitude, facts be damned, this is a breath of fresh air. —Longreads, 18 Dec. 2024

Fukuyama's grand vision was, by the mid-2000s, a cautionary tale about the dangers of pat certitudes in ivory towers. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 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