testify
word
/ˈtɛstəˌfaɪ/
TES-tuh-fy
/tˈɛstɪfˌaɪ/
TES-ti-fy
Definition
To make a formal statement about what you know, especially in court. It can also mean to show or prove that something exists or is true.
Usage & Nuances
Most commonly used in legal contexts: 'testify in court' or 'testify before Congress'. In formal writing, it can also mean 'serve as evidence of', as in 'The results testify to her hard work'. Do not confuse it with 'say', which is much broader and less formal.
Spanish: declarar - testificarPortuguese (BR): depor - testemunharPortuguese (PT): depor - testemunharChinese (Simplified): 作证 - 证明Chinese (Traditional): 作證 - 證明Hindi: गवाही देना - प्रमाण देनाArabic: يشهد - يدلي بشهادةBengali: জবান দেওয়া - সাক্ষ্য দেওয়াRussian: давать показания - свидетельствоватьJapanese: 証言するVietnamese: làm chứng - làm bằng chứngKorean: 증언하다 - 증명하다Turkish: tanıklık etmek - ifade vermekUrdu: گواہی دیناIndonesian: bersaksi - menjadi bukti
Example Sentences
She will testify in court tomorrow.
basic
He testified that he saw the accident.
basic
These old photos testify to their long friendship.
basic
He was nervous, but he still testified in front of everyone.
natural
If they ask me what happened, I'll testify.
natural
Her success testifies to how hard she has worked.
natural