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Witnesses Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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witnesses

[ˈwɪtnəsɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a legal case

People who saw an event happen, especially in a legal setting. Witnesses are often called to testify in court about what they saw or heard.

Synonyms

observers, onlookers, spectators.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
witnesses

Use this when referring to people who have directly seen or experienced an event, often in a legal or formal context.

  • The police interviewed several witnesses who saw the accident occur.
  • In court, witnesses provided testimony about the incident.
observers

Best for situations where individuals are watching or monitoring something, often in a neutral or official capacity.

  • International observers were present to monitor the election process.
  • Scientific observers recorded data on the wildlife behavior.
spectators

Appropriate for situations where people are watching an event, particularly sports or entertainment, usually as an audience.

  • The spectators cheered loudly during the final match of the championship.
  • A large number of spectators attended the concert.
onlookers

Typically used for people who are watching something happen, often by chance, without being directly involved.

  • Onlookers gathered around the street performer, fascinated by his tricks.
  • Onlookers watched as the fire department tackled the blaze.

Examples of usage

  • The witnesses were asked to describe the accident in detail.
  • The witness took the stand and swore to tell the truth.
Context #2 | Verb

to see something happen

To see an event or incident occur. Can also refer to observing a formal document being signed.

Synonyms

observe, see, watch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
witnesses

Used when referring to people who have seen an event, especially a crime or accident, or when someone gives a formal statement about what they saw.

  • The witnesses saw the robbery happen.
  • There were no witnesses to the accident.
observe

Used in a formal or scientific context, or when someone closely watches something to gather information or learn.

  • Scientists observe animal behavior in the wild.
  • He was sent to observe the meeting.
see

Used in everyday situations to mean noticing something with your eyes or understanding something.

  • I see a bird in the tree.
  • Do you see what I mean?
watch

Used when someone looks at something for a period of time, often with interest or to be entertained.

  • We watch TV every night.
  • She likes to watch the sunset.

Examples of usage

  • I witnessed the car crash from my window.
  • The notary witnessed the signing of the contract.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In court, witnesses can provide important information to help decide if someone did something wrong.
  • There are different types of witnesses: eyewitnesses, who saw something happen, and expert witnesses, who share special knowledge on a topic.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, being a witness attests to the truthfulness of an event, like signing a document in front of a witness for verification.
  • Witnesses play a key role in storytelling traditions, as they relay experiences and ensure that the story is remembered accurately.

Psychology

  • Human memory is not always accurate, so people's accounts as witnesses can vary due to personal perceptions and emotions during the event.
  • The presence of other people during an event can affect how a witness perceives and recalls what happened, known as the 'bystander effect.'

History

  • Throughout history, witnesses have often been key in historical events, like in trials for war criminals where testimonies helped reveal the truth.
  • The Nuremberg Trials after World War II featured numerous witnesses who provided crucial accounts of wartime atrocities.

Literature

  • Witnesses are often used as narrative devices in literature to give a firsthand account of events, adding depth and perspective to the story.
  • In novels or plays, the witness's viewpoint can shape the audience's understanding, making them pivotal in the story's unfolding.

Origin of 'witnesses'

The word 'witnesses' has its origins in Old English, where it was formed from 'wit' meaning knowledge or understanding, and 'ness' which indicated a state or condition. Over time, the word evolved to refer to individuals who have firsthand knowledge of an event or incident. In legal contexts, witnesses play a crucial role in providing testimony and evidence to support or refute claims.

See also: witnessing.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,540, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.