deponent
Deponent (noun) means a person who gives sworn evidence in writing, especially in an affidavit or a deposition used in court proceedings. Example: “The deponent states that she was at home on the night in question.”
How to use deponent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe person whose sworn statement is written down.
Formal and technical: legal documents, and classical grammar.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ states that she was at home on the night in question.
Etymology
From Latin deponere 'to lay down, put aside', used in later legal Latin of laying down testimony; the grammatical sense reflects a verb having 'laid aside' its passive meaning.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for deponent
See all rhymes for deponent →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a deponent and a witness?
Every deponent is a witness, but not every witness is a deponent. Deponent is the narrower legal term for someone whose evidence is given on oath in writing or at a deposition, rather than spoken from the witness box at trial.
What is the difference between a deponent and an affiant?
They mean much the same thing. Affiant is the usual American term for the person swearing an affidavit; deponent is the more common word in England, Wales, India and other common-law jurisdictions.
What is the meaning of deponent?
"deponent" (noun) means a person who gives sworn evidence in writing, especially in an affidavit or a deposition used in court proceedings.
What is another word for deponent?
Other words for "deponent" include affiant, witness, declarant.