noun

authentication

/ɔːˌθentɪˈkeɪʃən/ · say it: aw·then·tuh·KAY·shuhn

verifying that a user is who they claim to be

In more detail

1. (noun) the process of verifying or confirming that something is real, genuine, or true

2. (noun) the process of confirming that a person is who they claim to be, usually by checking a password or other proof of identity

Examples

1. The museum used special tests to verify the authentication of the ancient painting.
2. Two-factor authentication requires you to provide two different forms of proof when logging into your account.

How to use authentication

Authentication has two main uses: verifying the genuineness of something (like an artwork or document) and confirming someone's identity in digital systems. In modern contexts, it most commonly refers to identity verification in computing and security. It is more formal and technical than related terms like 'verification' or 'confirmation', often used in official, legal, or IT contexts.

Common phrases

two-factor authentication
user authentication
authenticate a document
authentication method
password authentication
authentication process

Synonyms

verification · validation · confirmation · identification · substantiation

Word family

authenticate (verb) · authenticated (adjective) · authenticator (noun) · authenticating (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse authentication with authorization; authentication confirms who you are, while authorization determines what you are allowed to do.

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