Words / B2

SURTNT-ee/ˈsɜːtnti/

Certainty is being sure, or a sure thing: no certainty that; with certainty; a certainty. Certain is the adjective (already in the dictionary). Uncertainty is already in the dictionary as a B2 word. Probability is more numerical. No certainty that a visa arrives before term.

Meaning

The state of being sure; also something that is sure to happen.

Examples

• “There is no certainty that the visa will arrive before term.”
• “It is a certainty that fees will be discussed, which is the “sure thing” sense.”

Good to know

certainty that; with certainty; a certainty. Adjective: certain. Opposite family: uncertainty. Numbers: probability. Academic hedges: we cannot say with certainty.

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