ratify
UK: ˈrætɪfaɪ | US: ˈrætɪfaɪ
vt. to formally approve or confirm (a treaty, agreement, or decision) by signing or voting
vt. to make something officially valid or binding
ratify = rat<reckon, calculate> + ify<make, cause to be>
- rat<reckon, calculate>: From Latin ratus (past participle of reri, meaning "to reckon, think"). Implies judgment or formal consideration.
- ify<make, cause to be>: A verb-forming suffix from Latin -ificare, meaning "to make" or "cause to become."
Etymology Origin:
The word ratify traces back to Latin ratus (determined, reckoned) combined with -ificare (to make). It originally conveyed the idea of "making something valid through formal judgment." Over time, it narrowed to specifically mean official approval, especially in legal or diplomatic contexts. The logic reflects a progression from "calculating" (rat) to "causing to be valid" (ify).
The committee voted unanimously to ratify the new policy.
Ten countries must ratify the treaty for it to take effect.
The union members will ratify the agreement next week.
The constitution was ratified after months of debate.
Without ratification by the Senate, the accord remains provisional.