staðfesta

Staðfesta is an Icelandic verb meaning to verify, confirm, or ratify something, and to establish its truth, accuracy, or official validity. It is used in formal, administrative, legal, journalistic, and scientific contexts to indicate that information, a decision, a measurement, or a claim has been checked and accepted as correct or binding.

Etymology and sense: The verb derives from the combination of stað (“place”) and festa (“to fasten”). Historically, it conveyed the sense of fixing something in place, and by extension of fixing its status as true or official. In contemporary usage, staðfesta covers both confirming information and formally endorsing or legitimizing a decision or document.

Usage: Staðfesta is transitive and typically takes a direct object in the accusative. Examples include: staðfesta ákvörðun (to confirm or ratify a decision) and staðfesta upplýsingar (to verify the information). In legal or administrative prose, the noun form staðfesting (verification, confirmation) is common, as is referring to a staðfestingarskjár or other official documents that certify validity. In journalism or research, statements are often staðfest með fleiri heimildum (verified with multiple sources) before publication.

Relation and nuance: Staðfesta emphasizes formal validation or endorsement rather than mere verification alone. It is closely related to sannreyna (to verify, to test truth) and sanna (to prove or attest), but places greater emphasis on official or recognized status.

See also: sannreyna, sanna, staðfesting, official verification.