Affidavit: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.