Serving to certify, authenticate, or officially confirm something; having the quality of a certificate.
From 'certify' plus the suffix '-ative' (meaning 'tending to' or 'serving to'), a Latinate adjective-forming suffix that describes function or tendency.
The suffix '-ative' appears in words like 'innovative,' 'creative,' and 'certificative'—it's a high-register, somewhat formal way to describe what something tends to do or what function it serves.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.