certain and sealed share a recorded sense, so the question is not what they mean but which one fits. certain means “definite but not specified or identified”. sealed means “established irrevocably”. certain is the more common of the two in everyday English.
/ˈsɝtən/
1.adj.definite but not specified or identified
“set aside a certain sum each week”
2.adj.having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
“felt certain of success”
3.adj.established beyond doubt or question; definitely known
“what is certain is that every effect must have a cause”
/ˈsild/
1.adj.established irrevocably
“his fate is sealed”
2.adj.closed or secured with or as if with a seal
“my lips are sealed”
3.adj.undisclosed for the time being
“sealed orders”
| certain | sealed | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈsɝtən/ | /ˈsild/ |
| Said | SUR-tuhn | seeld |
| Syllables | 2 | 1 |
| Letters | 7 | 6 |
| Parts of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Senses | 7 | 7 |
| How common | Core | Common |
| Synonyms | none recorded | certain |
Full entry for certain · Full entry for sealed · More comparisons