testimony
TEHS-tih-muh-nee
Testimony (noun) means a formal statement given by a witness, especially in court. Example: “The witness gave her testimony calmly in front of the judge.”
noun
1
A formal statement given by a witness, especially in court.
"The witness gave her testimony calmly in front of the judge."
"Her testimony helped convict the defendant."
"The jury found his testimony convincing."
2
Evidence or proof that something is true.
"The crowded café is testimony to how good the food is."
"Her tidy notebooks were testimony to months of careful work."
"The ruins stand as testimony to a once-great civilization."
How to use testimony
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat a witness says under oath, or more broadly, solid proof of something.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "testimonial" — testimony is a witness statement (especially legal), while a testimonial is more often a written endorsement or tribute.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
give testimony
sworn testimony
eyewitness testimony
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Word forms
- Plural
- testimonies
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The witness gave her _____ calmly in front of the judge.
Etymology
From Latin testimonium, "testimony, evidence", from testis, "a witness".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for testimony
See all rhymes for testimony →Frequently asked questions
What does “testimony” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “testimony”?
“Testimony” is pronounced TEHS-tih-muh-nee (/ˈtɛstɪmoʊni/ in IPA).
How do you use “testimony” in a sentence?
Here is “testimony” used in a sentence: “Her testimony helped convict the defendant.”
What part of speech is “testimony”?
“Testimony” is a noun.
Where does the word “testimony” come from?
The word “testimony” comes from Latin. From Latin testimonium, "testimony, evidence", from testis, "a witness".
Is “testimony” a common word?
“Testimony” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “testimony” have?
“Testimony” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal statement given by a witness, especially in court.
What is the difference between "testimony" and "evidence"?
"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.
What is the difference between "testimony" and "testament"?
"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.
Is "testimony" countable or uncountable?
"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.
What are common collocations with "testimony"?
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.
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