Ratification

noun

/ˌrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

The formal approval of a constitutional amendment by the legislatures of not less than half of the states, required under Article 368 for amendments affecting federal provisions such as the distribution of legislative powers, the Supreme Court, and the election of the President.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

India's ratification of the Paris Agreement in 2016 signalled that climate commitments undertaken at international forums had crossed from diplomatic intent into binding domestic obligation, thereby strengthening the credibility of its multilateral engagement.

Synonyms

confirmationapprovalsanctionendorsementvalidationauthorisation

Antonyms

rejectionrepudiationannulmentrevocation

🌱 Word Family

ratify (v), ratified (adj), ratifying (v pres.p), ratifier (n), ratifiable (adj)

🔡 Root

Latin ratus = fixed, established + facere = to make; Medieval Latin ratificātiō = act of making valid

📜 Etymology

From Middle French ratification, from Medieval Latin ratificātiō, from Latin ratus ("fixed, established") + facere ("to make"), literally "to make firm or valid."

🧠 Memory Hook

Think "RAT-IFY" = to make RATUS (Latin for 'fixed, valid') — a treaty is "fixed by reckoning" and made firm once both parties RATIFY it. Picture a rubber stamp of approval thumping down to fix the deal in place.

⚖️ Polity & Constitution 📖 Seen in: Constitutional Amendments, Schedules &...

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