Witness to Meaning in English

expression

US

WIT-nuhs TOO, WIT-nuhs tuh, WIT-nuhs ti

UK

WIT-nuhs TOO

Definition

To see an event happen and be able to confirm it, often something important, unexpected, or impressive. It can refer to both being present at an event or providing evidence about it.

Usage & Nuances

'Witness to' is usually followed by a noun or event ('witness to a crime', 'witness to history'). More formal than 'see', and often used in legal, historical, or significant contexts. Note: not the same as 'witness' (the person), but the act of witnessing something.

• Spanish: ser testigo de - presenciar
• Portuguese (BR): ser testemunha de - presenciar
• Portuguese (PT): ser testemunha de - presenciar
• Chinese (Simplified): 见证 - 目睹
• Chinese (Traditional): 見證 - 目睹
• Hindi: का गवाह होना - देखना
• Arabic: يكون شاهداً على - يشهد
• Bengali: সাক্ষী হওয়া - প্রত্যক্ষদর্শী হওয়া
• Russian: свидетельствовать - быть свидетелем
• Japanese: 目撃する - 証人となる
• Vietnamese: chứng kiến
• Korean: 목격하다
• Turkish: tanık olmak
• Urdu: گواہ ہونا
• Indonesian: menyaksikan

Example Sentences

He was a witness to the accident.

basic

I am lucky to be a witness to this moment.

basic

She served as a witness to the agreement.

basic

We were witness to an incredible sunset last night.

natural

The journalist became a witness to history during the revolution.

natural

You won't believe what I was a witness to while waiting for the bus.

natural