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Affidavit: meaning, definitions and examples

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affidavit

 

[ˌafɪˈdeɪvɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal document

An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.

Synonyms

declaration, sworn statement, testimony.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
affidavit

This term is commonly used in legal contexts where a written statement is made under oath and affirmed by the person signing it. It is used when someone needs to provide facts about a case in a formal, documented manner.

  • He submitted an affidavit confirming his whereabouts on the night of the crime.
  • The court required an affidavit from the witness to proceed with the case.
sworn statement

Similar to 'affidavit,' this term is typically used in legal settings. It refers to a person's written statement that has been sworn to be true, usually before a notary or other authorized official.

  • The lawyer asked for a sworn statement from each witness.
  • He provided a sworn statement detailing the events of that evening.
testimony

While also used in legal contexts, 'testimony' usually refers to verbal statements made under oath, especially in court settings, rather than written ones. It focuses on the act of testifying during a trial or hearing.

  • Her testimony was critical to the jury's understanding of the case.
  • He gave a powerful testimony that swayed the opinion of the court.
declaration

This word is broader than 'affidavit' and can be used in both legal and non-legal contexts. It refers to the act of making something known or an official statement, but not necessarily under oath.

  • The company issued a declaration of its new privacy policy.
  • In her declaration, she stated that she had no involvement in the incident.

Examples of usage

  • The witness signed an affidavit confirming the details of the incident.
  • The lawyer submitted the affidavit as evidence in the case.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'affidare', meaning 'to pledge' or 'to make an oath'.
  • Its first recorded use in English was in the 15th century, showcasing its long-standing importance in legal matters.
  • In medieval times, documents like affidavits were often sealed to signify authenticity and commitment.

Legal Usage

  • Affidavits are typically used in court to provide evidence without the person having to appear in person.
  • They must be signed in front of a notary public or another official authorized to witness oaths, adding to their credibility.
  • Laws about whether an affidavit can be used vary by country and can influence court decisions significantly.

Cultural Impact

  • Many legal dramas in film and television incorporate affidavits as key plot devices, emphasizing their role in courtroom proceedings.
  • Affidavits can also be part of not only legal but also personal contexts, such as in custody cases or family disputes.
  • In some cultures, the act of swearing an affidavit can be tied to customs of honoring one's word, showing its deep-rooted significance.

Psychology

  • The act of creating an affidavit involves a psychological commitment to truthfulness, reflecting personal accountability.
  • Research shows that when people write things down, they feel more responsible for those statements, reinforcing trustworthiness.
  • Affidavits can also influence perception in legal settings; the manner in which a person presents their statement can impact its reception.

Literature

  • Affidavits have appeared in notable literary works, often depicting themes of truth, justice, and personal conflict.
  • Authors sometimes use fictional affidavits as plot devices to develop characters’ motivations and moral dilemmas.
  • In detective and legal genres, affidavits often serve as evidence that drives the narrative forward, creating tension and intrigue.

Translations

Translations of the word "affidavit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 declaração juramentada

🇮🇳 हलफनामा

🇩🇪 eidesstattliche Erklärung

🇮🇩 surat pernyataan bersumpah

🇺🇦 афідевіт

🇵🇱 oświadczenie pod przysięgą

🇯🇵 宣誓供述書 (せんせい こうじゅつしょ)

🇫🇷 déclaration sous serment

🇪🇸 declaración jurada

🇹🇷 yeminli beyan

🇰🇷 선서 진술서

🇸🇦 شهادة خطية

🇨🇿 prohlášení pod přísahou

🇸🇰 čestné prehlásenie

🇨🇳 宣誓书 (xuānshì shū)

🇸🇮 zaprisežena izjava

🇮🇸 eiðsvarin yfirlýsing

🇰🇿 ант беру туралы мәлімдеме

🇬🇪 ფიცის განცხადება

🇦🇿 andlı bəyanat

🇲🇽 declaración jurada

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,492 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.