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ratify

RAT-uh-fy /ˈrætɪfaɪ/

verbC1GRETOEFL

formal

To sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid.

Implies a final, official approval that makes something legally binding. It's often used for international treaties or constitutional amendments.

The story behind the word. The word 'ratify' comes from the Old French 'ratifier', which itself is from the Medieval Latin 'ratificare'. This Latin term combines 'ratus' (meaning 'fixed' or 'established') with 'facere' (meaning 'to make'). So, to 'ratify' something is literally 'to make it fixed' or 'to make it established' as legally valid. It's about solidifying an agreement.

Word relationships

approve: More general; 'ratify' implies a formal, often legislative or national, approval that makes something legally binding.
sanction: To give official permission or approval for an action; 'ratify' specifically makes a document or agreement valid.
confirm: To establish the truth or correctness of something; 'ratify' is about making something legally valid.

reject: To dismiss or refuse to accept, the opposite of ratifying.
veto: To formally forbid, preventing ratification.

Word family

ratification (noun): the action of signing or giving formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement, making it officially valid

Collocations

ratify a treaty
ratify an amendment
ratify an agreement
ratify a convention

Example sentences

"Many countries have yet to ratify the international climate agreement, hindering global efforts." International Law
"Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787." Constitutional History

Memory hook

To 'RATIFY' is to make it 'RAT'her 'I'n 'FY'nal agreement. Make it valid

When not to use

Do not use 'ratify' for simple agreement or approval of everyday matters. It's reserved for formal, legally significant actions.

Fun facts

In the U.S., treaties negotiated by the President must be ratified by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.
The process of ratification for constitutional amendments involves approval by three-fourths of the states.