attest

[uh-test]

verb (used with object)

1. to bear witness to; certify; declare to be correct, true, or genuine; declare the truth of, in words or writing, especially to affirm in an official capacity.

   to attest the truth of a statement.

2. to give proof or evidence of; manifest.

   His works attest his industry.

3. Linguistics.,  to give evidence of the existence of (a word, phrase, usage, etc.), especially in writing: The dictionary attests this meaning as early as 1890.

   The plural form is attested in ancient texts.

   The dictionary attests this meaning as early as 1890.

4. to put on oath.

verb (used without object)

1. to testify or bear witness (often followed byto ).

   to attest to the reliability of an employee.

noun

1. Archaic.,  witness; testimony; attestation.

attest

/ ˌætɛˈsteɪʃən, əˈtɛst /

verb

1. (tr) to affirm the correctness or truth of

2. to witness (an act, event, etc) or bear witness to (an act, event, etc) as by signature or oath

3. (tr) to make evident; demonstrate

   his life of luxury attests his wealth

4. (tr) to provide evidence for

   the marks in the ground attested the presence of a fossil

Other Word Forms

• attestable adjective
• attestant noun
• attester noun
• attestor noun
• attestator noun
• attestive adjective
• reattest verb (used with object)
• unattested adjective
• well-attested adjective
• attestation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of attest¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; < Middle French attester, from Latin attestārī “to bear witness to, affirm, confirm” equivalent to at- at- + testārī “to witness” ( testis ( def. ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of attest¹

C16: from Latin attestārī to prove, from testārī to bear witness, from testis a witness

Example Sentences

As anyone over 30 will attest, sleep can be elusive and trendy supplements from magnesium to melatonin only do so much.

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Desperate for money, she signed a contract attesting that she was “the one and only Tokyo Rose.”

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I spent more than 30 years in the investment-management business and can attest to the value of exceptional leadership and well-crafted incentive packages.

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The Cahuilla people believe they originated among the red walls and leaning stone outcroppings of the Painted Canyon, and burial grounds throughout the site attest to its sacred place in their culture.

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“In both cases, the Government is merely attesting to a historical fact without subjecting anyone to differential treatment.”

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Related Words

• authenticate 
• corroborate 
• demonstrate 
• indicate 
• substantiate 
• swear 
• verify