An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To ascertain the truth or correctness of, as by examination, research, or comparison.

Etymology (EN): M.E. verifien, from M.Fr. verifier, from M.L. verificare “to make true,” from L. verus “true;” → -fy.

Etymology (PE): Râst-jostan, literally “to seek the truth, to seek the right,” from râst “right, true; just, upright, straight” (Mid.Pers. râst “true, straight, direct;” Soghdian rəšt “right;” O.Pers. rāsta- “straight, true,” rās- “to be right, straight, true;” Av. rāz- “to direct, put in line, set,” razan- “order;”
cf. Skt. raj- “to direct, stretch,” rjuyant- “walking straight;” Gk. orektos “stretched out;” L. regere “to lead straight, guide, rule,” p.p. rectus “right, straight;” PIE base *reg- “move in a straight line,” hence, “to direct, rule”)

• jostan/juyidan “to seek, strive for” (Proto-Iranian *iud- “to struggle for something, to fight;” Av. yūδ- “to fight, struggle;” Mod.Pers. justan, juy- “to search, seek, ask for;” cf. Mid.Pers. vijuyihitan “to search, seek”).