Witnesses: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.