Verify: Definition, Usage & Example Sentences

Meaning 1：confirm the truth of (verify)

verify 🔊

/ˈver.ɪ.faɪ/

vt.

to check if something is true, correct, or up-to-date by looking at evidence or facts.

Person verifying document details on laptop, illustrating the meaning of verify

confirm the truth of 🔊

➕

/kənˈfɜrm ðə truθ ʌv/

vt.

To establish the truth, accuracy, or validity of something through examination or comparison with evidence.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'verus' (true) + 'facere' (to make) -> 'verificare' (to make true).

💡 Mnemonic

Very-true-fy: to make VERY sure something is TRUE.

📖 Example

Before your order ships, the company will verify your shipping address. 🔊 Before your order ships, the company will confirm the truth of your shipping address.

🔗 Collocations

verify information – To check the accuracy of data or facts.

verify identity – To confirm who a person is, often with official documents.

verify a claim – To investigate and establish the truth of a statement.

🔄 Synonyms

confirm (vt.) – To establish the truth or correctness of something, often providing final assurance.

substantiate (vt.) – To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something.

corroborate (vt.) – To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding, typically from an independent source.

🚫 Antonyms

disprove (vt.) – To show that a belief or statement is false.

refute (vt.) – To prove a statement or theory is wrong or false.

contradict (vt.) – To assert the opposite of a statement, implying it is incorrect.

🌱 Derivatives

verifiable (adj.) – Able to be checked or proven to be true.

verification (n.) – The process of establishing the truth, accuracy, or validity of something.

unverified (adj.) – Not confirmed or checked for truthfulness.

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Medieval Latin 'verificare', the word entered English via Old French. It carries legal and formal weight, often used in contexts requiring official confirmation, such as law, science, and finance, to denote the act of establishing truth.