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ratify - 5 dictionary results

rat⋅i⋅fy

[rat-uh-fahy]
–verb (used with object), -fied, -fy⋅ing.
1. to confirm by expressing consent, approval, or formal sanction: to ratify a constitutional amendment.
2. to confirm (something done or arranged by an agent or by representatives) by such action.

Origin:
1325–75; ME ratifien < MF ratifier < ML ratificāre, equiv. to L rat(us) calculated (see rate 1 ) + -ificāre -ify


rat⋅i⋅fi⋅er, noun


1. corroborate, approve. 2. validate, establish.


1. veto, disapprove.
rat·i·fy   (rāt'ə-fī')   
tr.v.   rat·i·fied, rat·i·fy·ing, rat·i·fies
To approve and give formal sanction to; confirm. See Synonyms at approve.

[Middle English ratifien, from Old French ratifier, from Medieval Latin ratificāre : Latin ratus, fixed, past participle of rērī, to reckon, consider; see rate1 + Latin -ficāre, -fy.]
rat'i·fi·ca'tion (-fĭ-kā'shən) n., rat'i·fi'er n.

Ratify

Rat"i*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ratified; p. pr. & vb. n. Ratifying.] [F. ratifier, fr. L. ratus fixed by calculation, firm, valid + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See Rate, n., and -fy.] To approve and sanction; to make valid; to establish; to settle; especially, to give sanction to, as something done by an agent or servant; as, to ratify an agreement, treaty, or contract; to ratify a nomination.

It is impossible for the divine power to set a seal to a lie by ratifying an imposture with such a miracle. --South.
Language Translation for : ratify
Spanish: ratificar,
German: bestätigen,
Japanese: 批准する

ratify 
c.1357, from O.Fr. ratifier (1294), from M.L. ratificare "confirm, approve," lit. "fix by reckoning," from L. ratus "fixed, valid" (pp. of reri "to reckon, think") + root of facere "to make" (see factitious).

Main Entry: rat·i·fy
Pronunciation: 'ra-t&-"fI
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Forms: -fied; -fy·ing
: to make valid or effective; especially : to adopt or affirm (as the prior act or contract of an agent) by express or implied consent with the effect of original authorization ratified it by accepting the benefits> —compare REFORMrat·i·fi·ca·tion /"ra-t&-f&-'kA-sh&n/ nounrat·i·fi·er /'ra-t&-"fI-&r/ noun
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