Witnesses: meaning, definitions and examples

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witnesses

[ ˈwɪtnəsɪz ]

^{Context #1}

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

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}

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

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "witnesses" in other languages:

🇵🇹 testemunhas

🇮🇳 गवाहों

🇩🇪 Zeugen

🇮🇩 saksi-saksi

🇺🇦 свідки

🇵🇱 świadkowie

🇯🇵 証人

🇫🇷 témoins

🇪🇸 testigos

🇹🇷 tanıklar

🇰🇷 증인들

🇸🇦 شهود

🇨🇿 svědci

🇸🇰 svedkovia

🇨🇳 证人

🇸🇮 priče

🇮🇸 vitni

🇰🇿 куәгерлер

🇬🇪 მოწმეები

🇦🇿 şahidlər

🇲🇽 testigos

Word origin

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.