First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
testify
verb tes·ti·fy \ˈtes-tə-ˌfī\
: to talk and answer questions about something especially in a court of law while formally promising that what you are saying is true
: to talk about or say (something) in an honest and confident way
: to show that something is true or real : to give proof of something
tes·ti·fiedtes·ti·fy·ing
Full Definition of TESTIFY
intransitive verb
1
a : to make a statement based on personal knowledge or belief : bear witness b : to serve as evidence or proof
2
: to express a personal conviction
3
: to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact (as in a court)
transitive verb
2
3
: to declare under oath before a tribunal or officially constituted public body
— tes·ti·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun
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Origin of TESTIFY
Middle English testifien, from Anglo-French testifier, from Latin testificari, from testis witness
Rhymes with TESTIFY
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TESTIFY Defined for Kids
testify
verb tes·ti·fy \ˈte-stə-ˌfī\
tes·ti·fiedtes·ti·fy·ing
Definition of TESTIFY for Kids
: to make a formal statement of something sworn to be true <Two witnesses testified in court.>
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