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
1
a :  to bear witness to :  attest
b :  to serve as evidence of :  prove
2
archaic
a :  to make known (a personal conviction)
b :  to give evidence of :  show
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
First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TESTIFY

Synonyms
attest, depose, swear, witness, bear witness

Rhymes with TESTIFY

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TESTIFYING 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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