Witness: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone has directly seen or experienced an event, often legal or official. It implies personal involvement or firsthand experience.

• She was a witness to the accident and gave her statement to the police.
• In court, the witness testified about what he saw on the night of the crime.

Used when someone watches something without taking part in it, often for a purpose like study or analysis. It implies a more detached or analytical view.

• As an observer of the animal's behavior, she recorded every detail meticulously.
• The government sent an observer to monitor the elections.

Used when someone is watching an event, especially sports or entertainment. It conveys a sense of enjoyment or interest in the event.

• Thousands of spectators cheered loudly during the football match.
• The concert was enjoyed by many enthusiastic spectators.

Used when someone is casually watching an event, typically without involvement. It often suggests a passive or curious presence.

• The fight attracted a crowd of onlookers who took out their phones to film it.
• Onlookers gathered to watch the street performance.

Used when someone sees an event, especially a crime or an important occurrence. It emphasizes the role of the person as someone who can confirm or give an account of what happened.

• She was a witness to the accident.
• He witnessed the signing of the treaty.

Used in formal or scientific contexts. It implies careful looking and noting details, often over a period of time. It can also be used in daily situations to describe noticing something.

• The scientist observed the behavior of the animals.
• I observed that she was very quiet today.

Used in everyday situations. It indicates the simple act of perceiving something with the eyes, without an emphasis on intentional or detailed looking.

• I see the car coming.
• Did you see the new movie?

Used when someone looks at something attentively or for an extended period. It often implies a sense of anticipation or interest.

• They watched the entire football game.
• Watch the pot so it doesn't boil over.