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confirm

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verb American English pronunciation: confirm /kənˈfɜrm/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theyconfirm
he/she/itconfirms
present participleconfirming
past tenseconfirmed
past participleconfirmed
  1. 1
    [transitive] to prove that something is true

    The study confirms the findings of earlier research.

    Please bring something with you that confirms your identity.

    confirm (that):

    The doctor may run a test to confirm that you are pregnant.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of confirm
    1. a.
      to make you feel sure that an idea or belief is right or true
      confirm someone's suspicions:

      Their strange behavior was enough to confirm my suspicions.

      confirm someone's fears:

      When she saw the letter her worst fears were confirmed.

      confirm someone in their belief/view/determination etc.:

      His words confirmed me in my belief that our cause was right.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of confirm
    2. b.
      to say that something is definitely true because you know about it

      We cannot confirm the number of jobs that will be lost.

      confirm that:

      The principal confirmed that two pupils had been expelled.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of confirm
  2. 2
    [intransitive/transitive] to tell someone, usually by writing or telephoning, that something will definitely happen at the time or in the way that has been arranged

    You can make an appointment now, and then call nearer the time to confirm.

    The date of the meeting is still to be confirmed.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of confirm
  3. 3
    [transitive] to formally support something and allow it to happen

    The parliament's decision still has to be confirmed in a referendum.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of confirm
    1. a.
      to formally accept someone new in an important position

      Nigel Hill was yesterday confirmed as the new chief executive.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of confirm

This is the American English definition of confirm. View British English definition of confirm.

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