noun
deponent
dih-POH-nuhnt
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.”
noun
1
A person who gives sworn evidence in writing, especially in an affidavit or a deposition used in court proceedings.
"The deponent states that she was at home on the night in question."
"Counsel questioned the deponent for four hours before lunch."
adjective
1
In Latin and Greek grammar, describing a verb that is passive in form but active in meaning.
"Sequor, 'I follow', is a deponent verb."
How to use deponent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe person whose sworn statement is written down.
When to use it
Formal and technical: legal documents, and classical grammar.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
the deponent states
deponent's affidavit
deponent verb
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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
View more →Related words
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, testifier, deposer.
