The word "ratifies" (/'rætɪfaɪz/) is spelled with the letter "r" followed by "a", "t", "i", "f", "i", "e", and "s". The "r" is pronounced as the alveolar trill /r/, the "a" as the short vowel /æ/, the "t" as the voiceless alveolar stop /t/, the "i" as the short vowel /ɪ/, the "f" as the voiceless labiodental fricative /f/, the second "i" as the short vowel /ɪ/, the "e" as the schwa /ə/, and the "s" as the voiceless alveolar sibilant /s/.
The term "ratifies" refers to the action of formally approving or confirming a decision, agreement, or law through an official process or legal procedure. It involves the act of giving authoritative consent or validation to a particular action or decision.
When an individual or an entity ratifies something, they are essentially declaring their acceptance and support for it. This process often entails a formal vote, signature, or endorsement. By ratifying, individuals or entities signal their intention to comply with the terms, conditions, or provisions of the decision or agreement in question. This act signifies their commitment to recognizing the legitimacy and enforceability of the said decision or agreement.
Ratification frequently occurs in legal and political contexts. For instance, constitutional amendments are ratified by legislative bodies or by popular vote in many countries. International treaties are often ratified by nations, marking their intent to comply with the treaty's terms and obligations. Additionally, when organizations or corporations approve the outcome of board meetings, they ratify the resolutions or decisions made during those discussions.
In summary, "ratifies" refers to the official approval or confirmation of a decision, agreement, or law through an established and usually binding process. This act signifies the commitment to abiding by the terms or provisions outlined in the decision or agreement.
The word "ratifies" is derived from the Middle English word "ratifien", which comes from the Old French word "ratifier".
The Old French word "ratifier" originated from the Latin word "ratus", meaning "fixed" or "settled", and the Latin verb "facere", meaning "to make" or "to do". Hence, the word "ratifies" conveys the idea of making something fixed or settled, particularly in the context of approving or confirming something officially.