Avouch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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avouch
[əˈvaʊtʃ ]
Definitions
legal usage
To avouch is to affirm or assert that something is true. It often has a legal connotation, indicating a declaration made under oath or in a formal capacity.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He avouched his loyalty to the king.
- In court, the witness avouched to the events he had observed.
- The defendant avouched his innocence during the trial.
general usage
Avouch can also mean to vouch for or guarantee the truth of something. It indicates a strong commitment to the truthfulness of a statement or claim.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I can avouch for her honesty.
- The teacher avouched the integrity of the test results.
- He avouched that the information was accurate.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Usage
- In legal contexts, it was often used to support claims or evidence, adding weight to testimonies.
- Shakespeare's works include instances of this word, reflecting its prominence in Early Modern English.
- By the 17th century, 'avouch' was used in a variety of texts, demonstrating its role in affirming truths.
Literature
- Authors like John Bunyan used the term to convey authenticity in their narratives, highlighting its literary significance.
- In poetry, affirming a feeling or belief can be seen as a form of 'avouching', showcasing personal conviction.
- Modern literature occasionally revisits this word to evoke a sense of formality or historical richness in dialogue.
Cultural Significance
- In various cultures, to 'vouch' for someone carries significant weight, emphasizing trust and responsibility.
- Ceremonial affirmations, like oaths, draw parallels with this term, connecting it to traditions of loyalty.
- The concept of avouching can also relate to cultural storytelling, where one's word carries the essence of truth.
Modern Usage
- While less common today, it is occasionally seen in formal writings, particularly in legal or academic contexts.
- Output phrases like 'I can avouch that...' are still relevant in today’s discussions about authenticity.
- On social media, expressing support for someone or something can be seen as a modern form of avouching.
Origin of 'avouch'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin term 'avocare', meaning 'to call away', which evolved into the Old French 'avouchier'.
- It entered English in the late 14th century, originally used to indicate a formal declaration of truth.
- The prefix 'a' suggests a direction or affirmation, linking to how one can stand up for or confirm something.
The word 'avouch' comes from the Middle English word 'avouchen', which is derived from the Old French 'avocier'. The root of this word can be traced back to the Latin 'advocare', meaning 'to call to one's aid', composed of 'ad-', meaning 'to', and 'vocare', meaning 'to call'. The legal implications of the term have remained through the centuries, with its association to affirmations made in court or in an official capacity. Thus, avouch has retained both its assertive meaning and its connection to formal declarations and affirmations. It has evolved in its use but continues to highlight a strong belief in the truth of a statement one makes.