certificate and security share a recorded sense, so the question is not what they mean but which one fits. certificate means “a document attesting to the truth of certain stated facts”. security means “the state of being free from danger or injury”. security is the more common of the two in everyday English.
/sɚˈtɪfɪkət/
1.n.a document attesting to the truth of certain stated facts
2.n.a formal declaration that documents a fact of relevance to finance and investment; the holder has a right to receive interest or dividends
“he held several valuable securities”
3.v.present someone with a certificate
| certificate | security | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /sɚˈtɪfɪkət/ | /sɪˈkjʊɹəti/ |
| Said | sur-TIF-i-kuht | si-KYUUR-uh-tee |
| Syllables | 4 | 4 |
| Letters | 11 | 8 |
| Parts of speech | noun, verb | noun |
| Senses | 4 | 9 |
| How common | Common | Core |
| Synonyms | certification, credential, credentials | none recorded |
Full entry for certificate · Full entry for security · More comparisons
/sɪˈkjʊɹəti/
1.n.the state of being free from danger or injury
“we support the armed services in the name of national security”
2.n.defense against financial failure; financial independence
“his pension gave him security in his old age”
3.n.freedom from anxiety or fear
“the watch dog gave her a feeling of security”