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Witness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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witness

[ˈwɪtnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

A person who sees an event take place, especially a crime or accident, and can provide testimony in court.

Synonyms

observer, onlooker, spectator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
witness

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.
observer

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.
spectator

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.
onlooker

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.

Examples of usage

  • The witness identified the suspect in a lineup.
  • The witness was called to testify during the trial.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To see (an event, typically a crime or accident) take place.

Synonyms

observe, see, watch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
witness

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.
observe

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.
see

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?
watch

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.

Examples of usage

  • She witnessed the car crash from across the street.
  • He witnessed the argument between his neighbors.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • Witnesses play a crucial role in court cases, helping to provide evidence and clarify what happened during an event.
  • There are different types of witnesses, including eyewitnesses who saw the event directly and expert witnesses who give specialized knowledge.
  • Being a witness can sometimes be risky, as they may face pressure or intimidation from those involved in the case.

Linguistic Origins

  • The word comes from Old English 'witan,' meaning 'to know.' It reflects the idea of knowing or having knowledge of an event.
  • Related terms in other languages highlight the concept of seeing or knowing, like the Latin 'testis,' which also means witness.
  • In many cultures, the act of witnessing carries significant moral weight, emphasizing the responsibility to tell the truth.

Cultural Significance

  • In many societies, witnesses are seen as truth-tellers, and their testimonies can influence public opinion and decisions.
  • Religious texts often mention the importance of witnesses, indicating a long-standing value placed on their role across cultures.
  • Contemporary media frequently showcases the perspectives of witnesses, giving a voice to those who observe pivotal historical moments.

Psychological Aspect

  • Witnessing a traumatic event can lead to psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress, which affects how witnesses process their experience.
  • People may remember details differently based on their emotions during the event, highlighting the subjectivity of witness testimonies.
  • Research shows that the presence of other people can influence how a witness perceives an event, a phenomenon known as the 'bystander effect.'

Art and Literature

  • In literature and film, the 'witness' character often serves as a catalyst for the story, revealing truths that propel the plot.
  • Many narratives explore the moral dilemmas faced by witnesses, especially when it comes to speaking out against wrongdoing.
  • Art often depicts scenes of witnessing to analyze themes of guilt, responsibility, and justice.

Origin of 'witness'

The word 'witness' originated from the Old English 'witeness', which was derived from 'witan' meaning 'to know'. The term has roots in Old Norse and Proto-Germanic languages as well. Over time, 'witness' evolved to encompass the concept of seeing an event and providing testimony. In legal contexts, a witness plays a crucial role in providing firsthand accounts of events for the administration of justice.

See also: outwit, unwittingly, wit, witticism, wittily, wittiness, witty.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,688, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.