confirm

To show that an idea or belief is true.

• The results confirm our theory.
• His silence confirmed my suspicions.
• Further research has confirmed that exercise improves sleep.

How to use it: confirm that… (The tests confirmed that the water was safe.)

Similar words: support, verify, substantiate

Opposites: disprove, refute

Common phrases: confirm a theory, confirm someone's suspicions, confirm the findings

To say that a plan or agreement is definite and will go ahead.

• Please confirm your booking.
• She confirmed the meeting by email.
• Have they confirmed that the concert will go ahead?

How to use it: confirm that… (Please confirm that you can attend on Friday.); confirm something with someone (I'll confirm the time with the organizer.)

Similar words: finalize, settle

Opposites: cancel

Common phrases: confirm a booking, confirm your attendance, confirm the date, confirm an appointment

To say or establish that something previously stated is correct.

• The police confirmed the report.
• Can you confirm what she told us?
• Two witnesses have confirmed his account of the accident.

How to use it: confirm that… (A spokesperson confirmed that the director had resigned.); confirm whether… (Can you confirm whether this address is correct?)

Similar words: verify, corroborate

Opposites: deny, contradict

Common phrases: confirm a report, confirm the details, confirm someone's account

To officially approve a proposal or someone's selection for a position.

• The Senate confirmed the judge.
• Her appointment was confirmed by a unanimous vote.
• Will the board confirm him as director?

How to use it: confirm someone as something (The committee confirmed her as its new chair.)

Similar words: approve, ratify

Opposites: reject

Common phrases: confirm an appointment, confirm a nomination, confirm someone as

To perform a Christian ceremony that makes a baptized person a full member of the church.

• The bishop confirmed twelve children.
• She was confirmed in the village church.
• Who will confirm the young people this year?

Common phrases: confirm a child, confirm someone in

Used to say that something is certainly true.

• That answer is confirm wrong.
• We're confirm going to be late.
• With a team like that, they'll confirm win.

Similar words: definitely, certainly

Common phrases: confirm wrong, confirm late, confirm coming