Vouch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
✔️
vouch
[vaʊtʃ ]
Definition
support, guarantee
To vouch means to give a guarantee or assurance about something, typically referring to the credibility or integrity of a person or situation. It often indicates that the speaker has personal knowledge or experience that can support their claim.
Synonyms
certify, endorse, guarantee, verify.
Examples of usage
- I can vouch for her honesty.
- He vouched for his friend's skills.
- They vouch for the quality of the products.
- The witness vouched for the suspect's alibi.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Usage in Law
- In legal terminology, 'to vouch' for someone can imply a degree of responsibility or guarantee regarding their actions.
- Vouching in court can involve affirming the credibility of witnesses or evidence, influencing trial outcomes.
- The principle of vouching is critical in contract law where one party guarantees the performance of another.
Pop Culture
- In many movies, characters often vouch for their friends, portraying loyalty and trust in crucial moments.
- Television shows frequently feature scenes where one character vouches for another, emphasizing themes of friendship and character.
- The idea of vouching is present in social media, where influencers and personalities vouch for products they endorse.
Psychology
- Vouching is tied to the concept of social proof, where individuals feel more secure when someone they trust endorses a belief or action.
- When people vouch for others, they often experience increased cognitive dissonance if they later disagree with that person’s actions.
- Trust and reliability are fundamental to human relationships, and the act of vouching is a way to reinforce these bonds.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters often vouch for one another, enhancing themes of loyalty and betrayal.
- Authors may use vouching as a narrative device to develop character relationships and conflict.
- Poems and historical texts have explored the concept of vouching, reflecting cultural values around truth and integrity.
Origin of 'vouch'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'voucher', meaning 'to call' or 'to summon', which links to the act of affirming something.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Latin 'vocare', meaning 'to call', highlighting the aspect of speaking or affirming.
- In medieval times, it was often used in legal contexts, where a person would affirm or vouch for the character of another.
The word 'vouch' originates from the Middle English 'vouchen', which derived from the Anglo-French 'voucher' meaning 'to call upon' or 'to summon'. The root can be traced back to the Latin 'vocare', which means 'to call'. It initially referred to the act of calling or inviting someone as a witness to provide evidence, and over time, it evolved to encompass the broader meaning of guaranteeing or supporting someone's claims or character. The word's usage has been recorded since the 14th century, illustrating its longstanding role in discussions of trust and assurance in interpersonal relationships.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #21,558, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 21555 nonstop
- 21556 basilica
- 21557 immaturity
- 21558 vouch
- 21559 believable
- 21560 paramilitary
- 21561 unmodified
- ...