Verified means confirmed to be true, accurate, or authentic through careful checking. When scientists verify their experimental results, they repeat tests to make sure their findings weren't a fluke. When a reporter verifies a story before publishing it, she checks multiple sources to confirm the facts are correct.

To verify something is to establish its truth through evidence or investigation. A bank might verify your identity by asking security questions. A teacher might verify that you actually read a book by discussing specific chapters with you. Archaeologists verify the age of ancient artifacts using special dating techniques.

On social media, a verified account (usually marked with a checkmark) means the platform has confirmed that the account actually belongs to the famous person, organization, or public figure it claims to represent. This helps prevent impostors from pretending to be someone they're not.

Verification is the noun form: the process of establishing truth. In computer science, verification means checking that software works correctly. In everyday life, verification might be as simple as double-checking your math homework or as complex as a detective verifying an alibi. The key idea is always the same: taking steps to confirm something is genuine and accurate, not just assuming or hoping it's true.