noun

testimony

/ˈtɛstɪmoʊni/ · say it: TES·tuh·moh·nee

a formal statement given by a witness

In Law & Justice

In more detail

1. (noun) a formal statement made in court by someone who promises to tell the truth

2. (noun) evidence or proof of something; a sign that something is true or exists

Examples

1. The witness gave testimony about what she saw at the accident. 2. His success is testimony to his hard work and determination.

How to use testimony

Testimony is used formally for statements made under oath in legal proceedings, and more broadly to mean any evidence or proof that something exists or is true. In the second sense, it often appears in the phrase 'bears testimony to' meaning 'is evidence of.' The word carries weight and authority in both contexts.

Common phrases

give testimony
bear testimony to
testimony in court
expert testimony
compelling testimony

Synonyms

evidence · statement · proof · account · declaration

Word family

testify (verb) · testifier (noun) · testimonial (noun/adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse testimony (evidence or a sworn statement) with testimonial (a written or spoken endorsement by a satisfied customer or client).

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