Testimony: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in legal contexts where a witness provides information under oath.

• Her testimony was crucial in solving the case
• The jury believed his testimony over the defendant's

General term used to describe a spoken or written communication that conveys information or an opinion. Can be used in various contexts, including formal, business, or casual settings.

• He issued a statement about the company's new policy
• Her statement to the media clarified the confusion

Often used in formal settings to publicly announce or state something, sometimes used in legal or political contexts.

• The president made a declaration of peace
• She signed a declaration of her wealth to the authorities

Can be used both formally and informally to refer to a detailed narrative or explanation of an event or experience.

• He gave a detailed account of what happened during the event
• Her account of the story is very different from his

Testimony is often used in legal settings or formal discussions to denote someone providing evidence or a statement based on personal experience.

• The witness's testimony helped to convict the defendant
• Her testimony about the incident was crucial during the trial

Confession is generally used when someone admits to something, often a wrongdoing or a secret. This word carries a connotation of revealing something that was hidden or not previously known.

• She made a confession about her involvement in the scheme
• The confession of guilt weighed heavily on his conscience

Testament is used to describe something that serves as a sign or proof of a particular fact, often used figuratively to show evidence of someone's character or a fact. It can also refer to a will, a legal document stating someone’s wishes regarding their property after death.

• His success is a testament to his hard work and determination
• The old building stands as a testament to the town's rich history

Avowal is typically used to describe an open and public declaration or acknowledgment of something, often feelings or beliefs.

• His avowal of love surprised everyone
• The politician's avowal of support for the cause gained him many followers