Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Testify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚖️
Add to dictionary

testify

[ˈtɛstɪˌfaɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in court

To give evidence as a witness in a law court.

Synonyms

attest, bear witness, give evidence, swear.

Examples of usage

  • She refused to testify against her husband.
  • He agreed to testify in the trial.
Context #2 | Verb

declare

To make a formal statement, especially in a court of law.

Synonyms

affirm, assert, declare, state.

Examples of usage

  • The witness will testify that he saw the suspect at the scene of the crime.
  • The victim was willing to testify against the perpetrator.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'testify'

The word 'testify' comes from the Latin word 'testificari', which is a combination of 'testis' (witness) and 'facere' (to make). Originally used in legal contexts, 'testify' has evolved to encompass a broader range of contexts where one gives evidence or makes a formal statement.

See also: attest, detest, protest, retest, test, testable, testament, tester, testifications, testimony, testiness, tests, untested.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,422 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.