noun

attestation

at-uh-STAY-shuhn

Attestation (noun) means a formal statement or signature confirming that something is true or genuine, especially one given by an official witness. Example: “The will requires the attestation of two independent witnesses.”

noun

A formal statement or signature confirming that something is true or genuine, especially one given by an official witness.

"The will requires the attestation of two independent witnesses."

"He signed an attestation that the accounts were complete and accurate."

Evidence or proof that something exists or is the case.

"The earliest attestation of the word is in a fourteenth-century manuscript."

technical A process by which a device or program proves to another system that its software and settings have not been tampered with.

"The server refuses the connection unless remote attestation succeeds."

How to Use Attestation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA formal statement that something is true, or the proof of it.

When to use it

Legal and administrative in most uses, plus a specialised sense in computer security and in linguistics, where an attestation is a recorded instance of a word in use.

Memory tip

The verb is attest, usually with to: 'colleagues attested to her honesty'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

testimony → affidavit → notarisation attention →

Common pairings

attestation clause signed attestation attestation of a will earliest attestation remote attestation

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “attestation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The will requires the _____ of two independent witnesses.

Etymology

From Latin attestari 'to bear witness', from ad 'to' and testis 'a witness'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →

certification affidavit testimony confirmation verification evidence record proof

Related Words

history minutes account evidence record note sign write

Rhymes for attestation

region billion ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension

See all rhymes for attestation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between attestation and notarisation?

Attestation means witnessing a signature and confirming the document was signed properly, and any competent witness may do it. Notarisation is performed by a notary public, who verifies identity and applies an official seal, giving the document a stronger legal standing.

What is an attestation clause?

It is the paragraph at the end of a will or deed in which the witnesses state that they saw the document signed and that the formalities were observed. Its wording matters because a defective clause can put the whole document in doubt.

People Also Searched

history minutes account evidence record note sign write