What is ratify? Pronunciation and usage in English

ratify means . Learn how to pronounce and use ratify through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of ratify

ratifyverb

/ˈrætɪfaɪ//ˈrætɪfaɪ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "ratify." It can be a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: It's typically said with three syllables: rat-i-fy

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • rat: Sounds like "rat" – as in, a rodent. (rhymes with "hat")
  • i: Pronounced like the letter "i" – short and crisp. (like in "it")
  • fy: This is the tricky part. It’s pronounced like "fee." (rhymes with "bee")

3. Combined: So, it’s rat – i – fee

4. Full Word: Rat-i-fy

Resources for Hearing it:

Tips:

  • Don't slur the syllables. Each syllable needs to be relatively clear.
  • Focus on the "fee" sound at the end. That’s the key to getting it right.

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  • Give you some example sentences using "ratify"?

Usage and examples with the word ratify in English

Let's break down how to use the word "ratify." It's a formal word with a specific meaning, so understanding it is key.

1. Core Meaning:

"Ratify" means to formally approve or confirm something, typically a treaty, contract, or law, after it has been proposed or drafted. It signifies an official act of acceptance and endorsement.

2. Common Usage – Treaties & Agreements:

This is where you'll most often encounter the word. Think of international agreements:

  • Example: "The Senate voted to ratify the new trade agreement with Canada." (This means the Senate officially approved the agreement.)
  • Example: "After lengthy negotiations, the treaty was finally ratified by all signatory nations."

3. Usage with Laws & Statutes:

"Ratify" can also be used in the context of a country passing a law to give its formal approval to something already enacted elsewhere.

  • Example: “The United States ratified the Geneva Conventions, bringing them into domestic law.” (This means the US officially accepted the conventions).

4. Less Common Uses (but still valid):

  • Contracts: A company or organization might ratify a contract that was initially entered into informally.
  • Apologies: Sometimes (less frequently), it can be used to describe the acceptance of an apology. "He later ratified her apology, admitting he was wrong." (This suggests a formal acceptance of what she said).

5. Key Characteristics of “Ratify”:

  • Formal: It implies a serious and deliberate process. It’s not just a casual agreement.
  • Official Action: It’s an action done by an authority (like a parliament, senate, or president) signaling acceptance.
  • Confirmation: It confirms the validity or legality of the original proposal.

6. Synonyms:

  • Approve
  • Confirm
  • Validate
  • Endorse
  • Sanction

7. Phrases to Watch Out For:

  • "Ratify a motion": This means formally approve a motion made in a meeting (typically in a legislative body).
  • "Ratify a decision": To formally accept a decision.

Resources for More Information:

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Synonyms for the word ratify

Practice with vocabulary ratify

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The member states are expected to ______ the new climate agreement by the end of the year.
  2. After intense negotiations, the union members voted to ______ the proposed contract, making it official.
  3. The board decided to ______ the CEO's strategic vision for market expansion, granting full support.
  4. The government aims to ______ stricter regulations on data privacy starting next quarter.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

(There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following actions typically makes a treaty officially binding under international law? a) Renegotiate b) Ratify c) Propose d) Conclude

  2. To give formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement, making it officially valid, one might: a) Sanction b) Ratify c) Validate d) Enact

  3. Before the new constitution can take effect, a national referendum is required to: a) Debate it b) Implement it c) Ratify it d) Review it

  4. The committee spent months attempting to find common ground and ______ the conflicting proposals into a single, cohesive document. a) Unify b) Legislate c) Implement d) Concede

  5. The legal team was tasked with ______ the authenticity of the ancient document's signatures. a) Certify b) Endorse c) Approve d) Verify

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government needs to formally approve the trade deal before it can come into force. (Rewrite using a form of "ratify")

  2. The unanimous approval by the shareholders made the company merger official. (Rewrite using a form of "ratify")

  3. The project manager received the final go-ahead from the senior executives. (Rewrite without using "ratify", using a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. ratify
  2. ratify
  3. endorse
  4. implement

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Ratify
  2. a) Sanction, b) Ratify
  3. c) Ratify
  4. a) Unify
  5. a) Certify, d) Verify

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government needs to ratify the trade deal before it can come into force.
  2. The unanimous ratification by the shareholders made the company merger official.
  3. The project manager received the final endorsement from the senior executives.

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