vérifiez

Vérifiez is a form of the French verb vérifier. It functions as both the present tense form for the second person plural (vous vérifiez) and the imperative form addressed to vous (Vérifiez). In use, it can convey either a simple statement “you verify” or a direct command “verify.”

Etymology and origins: Vérifier derives from the Latin verificare, from verus meaning true and facere meaning to make or to do. The sense evolved from “to prove true” to “to check or confirm the truth” in French. The verb has been part of the French lexicon since the Middle Ages and remains common in technical, administrative, and everyday language.

Usage and nuance: The word is employed in contexts where accuracy or truth must be confirmed, such as data, documents, procedures, and outcomes. It appears in journalism, science, law, computing, and quality control. Distinctions are often made with synonyms: vérifier emphasizes confirming accuracy, whereas confirmer or contrôler can imply broader affirmation or inspection, and valider emphasizes formal validation.

Examples: Vérifiez les chiffres avant de publier ce rapport. Veuillez vérifier votre identité lors de l’accès au compte. In instruction manuals, you may see the command form: Vérifiez chaque étape avant de continuer.

See also: Vérification (the noun meaning verification or check), vérificateur or vérificateuse (verifier in noun form), vérifiable (verifiable).