testimony

The word “testimony” means a formal statement given by a witness, especially in court. In plain terms, what a witness says under oath, or more broadly, solid proof of something.

“Testimony” is pronounced TEHS-tih-muh-nee (/ˈtɛstɪmoʊni/ in IPA).

Here is “testimony” used in a sentence: “Her testimony helped convict the defendant.”

“Testimony” is a noun.

The word “testimony” comes from Latin. From Latin testimonium, "testimony, evidence", from testis, "a witness".

“Testimony” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Testimony” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal statement given by a witness, especially in court.

"Testimony" is spoken or written evidence given by a witness, usually under oath, while "evidence" is the broader term for anything, including objects and documents, that helps prove a fact. Testimony is one particular type of evidence.

"Testimony" is a formal statement or proof, especially from a witness, while a "testament" is a will or, more generally, something that serves as proof or tribute, as in "a testament to her skill." They overlap in meaning but are not interchangeable.

"Testimony" is often uncountable, as in "give testimony," but it can be countable when referring to individual accounts, as in "the testimonies of survivors." Both uses are correct depending on context.

Common phrases include "give testimony," "sworn testimony," "eyewitness testimony," and "a testimony to" something. These pairings appear in legal settings and in wider statements of proof.