witnesses
word · lemma: witness
Definition
People who see an event happen, especially a crime or accident, and can describe it. It can also mean people who give evidence in court because they saw, know, or can confirm something.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in legal or news contexts. 'Witnesses' can mean people at the scene ('Several witnesses saw the crash') or people testifying in court ('The witnesses were called to testify'). Don't confuse it with the verb 'witness' meaning 'see' or 'observe'.
Example Sentences
There were no witnesses on the street at night.
basic
The police talked to two witnesses after the accident.
basic
The witnesses answered the lawyer's questions in court.
basic
So far, none of the witnesses can agree on what really happened.
natural
The case fell apart because the key witnesses never showed up.
natural
According to witnesses, the driver ran the red light and sped away.
natural