make sure or double-check that something is set

confirm

verb|/kənˈfɜːrm/

To establish that something is definitely true or will happen

Examples

In a meeting

Can you confirm your attendance at tomorrow's workshop?

Over coffee

Let me confirm our dinner reservation before we leave.

Why this word

verify

confirm implies providing assurance or validation, often of arrangements or decisions already made

prove

confirm means to establish as certain or correct, less formal than proving with evidence

check

confirm means to establish definitively, not just to examine or inspect

Usage tip

Use when you need definite assurance or acknowledgment; common for appointments, plans, and facts

Etymology

Latin 'confirmare' from 'con-' (intensive) + 'firmare' (to strengthen) from 'firmus' (firm)

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