witnessed
word · lemma: witness
/ˈwɪtnəst/
WIT-nuhst
/wˈɪtnəst/
WIT-nuhst
Definition
Saw an event happen, especially something important or shocking. Also means being present and officially confirming what happened.
Usage & Nuances
'Witnessed' is most common in formal, legal, or serious contexts (e.g., accidents, ceremonies, crimes). It often takes a direct object: 'witnessed the event'. Not the same as 'watched', which suggests more passive or prolonged viewing.
Spanish: presenciar - ser testigo dePortuguese (BR): presenciar - testemunharPortuguese (PT): presenciar - testemunharChinese (Simplified): 目击 - 见证Chinese (Traditional): 目擊 - 見證Hindi: गवाह बनना - देखना (घटना का)Arabic: شهد - رأىBengali: দেখেছি - প্রত্যক্ষ করেছিRussian: стал свидетелем - увидел (событие)Japanese: 目撃したVietnamese: chứng kiếnKorean: 목격했다Turkish: tanık olduUrdu: گواہ بنا - مشاہدہ کیاIndonesian: menyaksikan
Example Sentences
I’ve never witnessed anything like that before.
natural
I witnessed the rainbow after the storm.
basic
She witnessed the accident on her way to work.
basic
Hundreds witnessed the parade downtown.
basic
He witnessed a crime and had to talk to the police.
natural
We witnessed history when they broke the world record.
natural