verb
Uncommon
attest
uh-TEHST
Attest (verb) means to confirm or declare that something is true or genuine. Example: “Several witnesses attested to his good character.”
verb
1
To confirm or declare that something is true or genuine.
"Several witnesses attested to his good character."
2
To serve as proof or evidence of something.
"The scars on the old bridge attest to decades of storms."
3
To certify formally, especially by signing one's name.
"The document was attested by a notary public."
How to use attest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo confirm something is true, or to serve as evidence proving it.
Common pairings
attest to the fact
duly attested
witnesses attest
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- attests
- Past tense
- attested
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Several witnesses _____ to his good character.
Etymology
From Latin attestari, "to bear witness to," from ad- ("to") plus testari ("to witness"), from testis ("a witness").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “attest” mean?
The word “attest” means to confirm or declare that something is true or genuine. In plain terms, to confirm something is true, or to serve as evidence proving it.
How do you pronounce “attest”?
“Attest” is pronounced uh-TEHST (/əˈtɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “attest” in a sentence?
Here is “attest” used in a sentence: “Several witnesses attested to his good character.”
What part of speech is “attest”?
“Attest” is a verb.
Where does the word “attest” come from?
The word “attest” comes from Latin. From Latin attestari, "to bear witness to," from ad- ("to") plus testari ("to witness"), from testis ("a witness").
Is “attest” a common word?
“Attest” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “attest” have?
“Attest” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to confirm or declare that something is true or genuine.
