English is the most spoken language in the world. It has become a global language due to its frequent usage.
When people go to other countries, and they don’t know their native language, then English comes as a savior to make other people understand their query.
Grammar is the base of the English language. Without grammar, English is like paper without a pen. What would I do with the paper if I didn’t have a pen to write with?
The correct usage of phrases in grammar is important, and people learn it either through experience or research.
There are many phrases in the language that people might think are the same, but they are different in context.
Just like these two, “to confirm” and “to verify” may look similar to each other, but their meaning and usage are different. People get confused with these two words often and think both are the same.
The difference between to confirm and to verify is, that “to verify” is used to describe the accuracy of a thing whether it’s true or not while “to confirm” is used to strengthen the accuracy of a statement with proof.
Let me make it clear with an example:
To verify: I saw you at a wedding function. (this sentence is just verifying the presence of a person at a wedding)
To confirm: I can show you your picture at the wedding function. (this sentence strengthens the presence of a person by showing a picture)
To Confirm and To Verify, both phrases go side by side because no statement can be confirmed without verifying by yes or no.
Keep reading to know more about these two phrases for a better grammatical understanding.
Let’s start!
What Does It Mean to Confirm Something?
To Confirm means to approve something, strengthen the statement with proof, and provide firmness and stability.
“Confirm” is derived from the old French word “Conformer” and Latin “Confirmare” which means strength.
To confirm means that something is true by providing proof.
For instance, your brother tells you that it’s time to eat. In order to confirm that it is indeed time to eat, you ask your mother. To which she says yes.
Your mother’s confirmation strengthened your brother’s statement, making it true.
Various Uses of ‘Confirm’ Explained for Clarity
Confirm is also used as an agreement to establish something official.
For Example:
After the interview, his position is confirmed as a sales manager.
Another use of “to confirm” is to ensure verified assurance.
Example: Did he confirm our flight to UAE?
Hence, To Confirm means to provide a final proof of verification. It means leaving no doubt behind.
Does Confirm Mean Agree?
Yes. “Confirm” can be a formal alternative to “agree”.
Confirm is a verb, used as agreement while hiring or establishing a position.
It establishes the certainty and validity of something.
Look at these examples to confirm to have more clarity:
- Your order is confirmed, expected delivery time is within two days.
- Ren confirmed that the report is true.
- James neither confirmed nor denied the test result.
- A DNA test can confirm the diagnosis of a patient.
What Does It Mean to Verify Someone?
To verify means proving the correctness of the data presented.
Verify (verb), verifies, (3rd person present) verified (past tense), verifying (the present participle)
It’s in human nature to ask for verification before trusting someone or something.
Verifying is the first step of proving something’s truth by checking its sources.
It derives from the old French word “verifier,” which means make true.
Verify holds the accountability of truth by double or cross-checking it.
Verify also means to make sure that something is justified beyond every reasonable doubt.
How Do You Use “Verify” in A Sentence?
When you doubt something, and you check with a reliable source, it is called verification.
Verification comes from any external source to prove the correctness of something.
Verify can be used in many examples, such as:
- More tests will be taken to verify the disease.
- An auditor will verify the account.
- Before loading the program, verification of sufficient memory is needed.
- It would take a week or so to verify reports.
- Please look into the dictionary to verify its spelling.
Does Verify Mean to Confirm?
Verify and confirm are synonyms and can sometimes be used interchangeably. However, their usage depends on the purpose of the sentence.
Verify is used when the result is not known, and confirm is used when the result is already known.
Verification is the first step of proving the truth of something, and confirmation is the final step of truth with evidence so that no doubt is left behind.
People think these words are similar, but their level of authentication is different from each other.
Confirm is used on something that you already know, but verify is used to establish the truth.
Verification is the base of truth, while confirmation is the last stone of truth. Basically, you can’t confirm something unless you verify it first.
Have a look at this video for more examples:
The synonyms of verify and confirm are similar to each other. Let’s check out.
| Verify | Confirm |
| Certify | Certify |
| Check | Back up |
| Authenticate | Approve |
| Find out | Affirm |
| Justify | Endorse |
| Prove | Explain |
| Establish | Establish |
| Double-check | Corroborate |
| Corroborate | Sign |
| Substantiate | Substantiate |
| Find out | Support |
Final Thoughts
This difference between confirm and verify can be summed up as:
- Verify is used to prove the truth.
- ‘Confirm’ is used to support or strengthen the proven truth.
- Verify and Confirm are not interchangeable words but look similar in meanings.
- Some of the synonyms of verify and confirm are the same.
- To verify is more serious than confirm as it establishes the unknown truth while confirm just supports the known truth.
- Verify is often less used than confirm but it is more formal.
- Verification can be done with any source, but a reliable source is needed to confirm.
To read more about grammar and its usage, check my article on Sell VS Sale (Grammar and Usage).
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