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

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

Parkinson wrote he wanted a government witness statement attesting that China was indeed a national security threat at the time of the offense.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Patients will be able to ask pharmacists questions about the vaccine and won’t need to attest to high-risk conditions to receive one.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Assembly Bill 238 enables borrowers to put a stop to their mortgage payments for up to 12 months with no late fees or penalties, by attesting without documentation that the fires caused a financial hardship.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As “Game of Thrones” fans might attest, once the TV series outpaces the source material, things can get dicey.

Read more on Salon

Colds and other viruses are a common problem, as any parent of young children can attest.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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