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ratify

 - 4 dictionary results

rat⋅i⋅fy

  [rat-uh-fahy]
Use ratify in a Sentence
–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

Related forms:
rat⋅i⋅fi⋅er, noun

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

Antonyms:
1. veto, disapprove.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To ratify
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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

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).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

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 REFORM —rat·i·fi·ca·tion /"ra-t&-f&-'kA-sh&n/ noun —rat·i·fi·er /'ra-t&-"fI-&r/ noun
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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