Ratify

Verb

Definition: Sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid.

Synonyms: Approve, Endorse, Authorize

Antonyms: Reject, Invalidate, Disapprove

Examples:

The government is expected to ratify the trade agreement next week.
The board of directors unanimously voted to ratify the new company policy.

Mnemonics:

Ratify sounds like "Rat Agree" - when you ratify something, you agree to it officially.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "ratify" is derived from the Latin word "ratus" (meaning "fixed" or "determined") and the Latin verb "facere" (meaning "to make"). It entered Middle English around the 14th century.

Historical Usage:

The term "ratify" has been used consistently throughout history to describe the act of formally approving or validating documents, agreements, or treaties.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Ratify the deal"

Explanation:

To give official consent or approval to a specific agreement.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "ratify" with "rectify."

Explanation:

While both words sound similar, "ratify" means to give formal consent or approval, while "rectify" means to correct or make right. It is important to distinguish between the two to avoid confusion.