What does ratify mean?
To ratify is to approve or confirm something in a formal, binding way, especially a treaty, agreement, law, or constitutional amendment. The word is especially associated with political and legal institutions: a legislature may ratify a treaty, or a government may ratify an international accord, giving it official standing. In less formal contexts, ratify can mean to endorse a decision or arrangement firmly, although this use is relatively uncommon. Its strength lies in the idea of making a prior agreement, proposal, or conclusion definitively valid. The word is related to the Latin root meaning “fixed, settled, or established,” and it conveys a sense of official confirmation rather than initial discussion or approval in principle.
To formally approve, confirm, or give official assent to a treaty, agreement, law, or other document.
"The parliament ratified the new trade agreement."
This is the central and most formal sense of the word, especially in legal, constitutional, and diplomatic language.
To approve or endorse a proposal, decision, or arrangement with formal or decisive support.
"The committee ratified its decision to renew the programme."
This extended sense is somewhat less formal and is less common than the legal or diplomatic sense.
A treaty can be signed by leaders, but it is ratified by the institution that gives it official legal force.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ratify come from?
“Ratify” comes from French “ratifier,” which was borrowed from Latin “ratificare.” The Latin verb combined “ratus,” meaning fixed, settled, or established, with “facere,” meaning to make. English adopted the word in the 16th century, initially in legal and diplomatic contexts involving formal approval of agreements. Related English words include “ration,” “rational,” and “ratification,” all reflecting the same broader Latin root associated with fixing, determining, or establishing.
Related word forms
How ratify is actually used
“Ratify” is primarily formal and legal. It is stronger than simply agreeing: it suggests official confirmation or approval by a person or body with the authority to do so. In everyday use, it can mean to endorse something firmly, but this sense is less common.
Easily confused with ratify
“Ratify” means to formally approve or confirm an agreement or document, whereas “retify” means to correct an error or put right.