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Meaning & use

certificates

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/səˈtɪfɪkəts/
US/sərˈtɪfɪkəts/

“certificates” is a form of “certificate”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    Official paper or digital documents that prove you have completed a course or passed an exam.

    Grammar: Countable: use 'a certificate' for one and 'certificates' for two or more.

    Patterns

    • a certificate in something
    • a certificate of something
    • get/receive a certificate
    • a certificate from a school

    She received three certificates after finishing the online courses.

    The school sends certificates to students who pass the final test.

    He keeps his certificates in a folder at home.

  2. nouncountable

    Official documents that state facts about a person, such as birth, marriage, or death.

    Grammar: Countable: often used in fixed phrases like 'birth certificate' and 'marriage certificate'.

    Patterns

    • a birth/marriage/death certificate
    • apply for a certificate
    • a copy of a certificate

    You need to show your birth certificate when you apply for a passport.

    They lost their marriage certificate and had to order a new one.

    The hospital issues death certificates.

Word forms

singularcertificate

Common combinations

birth certificate
Please bring your birth certificate to the interview.
marriage certificate
The hotel asked for a marriage certificate.
certificate in English
She has a certificate in English from a language school.
issue a certificate
The university will issue a certificate after graduation.
a copy of a certificate
Keep a copy of your certificate in a safe place.

Synonyms and how they differ

diploma
A diploma is usually for finishing a longer program, like high school or college, while a certificate is often for a shorter course.
credential
Credential is a formal word for any document that proves your qualifications, including certificates and degrees.
document
Document is a general word for any official paper; a certificate is one specific type.

Word family

certify verb
To state officially that something is true or meets a standard.
certification noun
The act of certifying or the state of being certified.
certified adjective
Officially approved or having a certificate.

Commonly confused: certificates or certificat?

certificates vs certificat

This is not an English word; the correct spelling is 'certificate'.

Practice

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