verify
To confirm that something is true, accurate, or valid
Examples
In a meeting
“Please verify these numbers before we send the report.”
Over coffee
“I need to verify what time the party starts.”
Why this word
check
Verify means confirming truth or accuracy through investigation, while check is more casual and might mean just looking at something briefly
confirm
Verify emphasizes establishing truth through examination or evidence, while confirm can mean simply agreeing or acknowledging something is true
prove
Verify means checking that something is accurate or true, while prove means demonstrating truth conclusively, often requiring more rigorous evidence
Usage tip
Use when you need to check accuracy or authenticity; implies taking steps to confirm rather than just assuming
Etymology
Old French 'verifier' from Latin 'verus' (true) + '-ficare' (to make)
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Related words
replicate
Make an exact copy or repeat a process identically
misnomer
A wrong or inaccurate name or designation for something
discrepancy
A difference between things that should be the same or match.
exaggerate
To represent something as greater or more important than it really is
vindicate
To clear from blame or prove to be right or justified
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion