attest

[ uh-test ]

See synonyms for: attest attested attestable attestant on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

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.
to give proof or evidence of; manifest: His works attest his industry.

Linguistics. to give evidence of the existence of (a word, phrase, usage, etc.), especially in writing:The plural form is attested in ancient texts.The dictionary attests this meaning as early as 1890.
to put on oath.

verb (used without object)

to testify or bear witness (often followed by to): to attest to the reliability of an employee.

noun

Archaic. witness; testimony; attestation.

Origin of attest

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

Other words from attest

at·test·a·ble, adjective
at·test·ant, noun
at·test·er, at·tes·tor, at·tes·ta·tor [uh-tes-tey-ter, at-e-stey-], /əˈtɛs teɪ tər, ˈæt ɛˌsteɪ-/, noun
at·tes·tive, adjective
re·at·test, verb (used with object)
un·at·test·ed, adjective
well-at·test·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use attest in a sentence

My note attesting to his mental health was framed on his wall.
Who’s Safe With a Gun? Don’t Ask a Shrink | Gary Greenberg | May 12, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
The Arabs whose shacks are being demolished have documents attesting title to their land.
The Prayers of Susya | Benedict Roth | July 25, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
And a crisis it is, with every major European leader attesting to just that.
How Bankers Saved the World From a Euro Meltdown | Zachary Karabell | December 1, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
Donna Marina, having secured a forged affidavit attesting to her pure blood, followed her husband to Mexico.
The Jewish Conquistadors | Edward Kritzler | December 21, 2008 | THE DAILY BEAST
It is soul-travail like His, attesting love like His; that wins all the victories in which He can rejoice.
Expositor's Bible: The Second Epistle to the Corinthians | James Denney

That their bearing, one and all, was truly noble, friends and foes took pride in attesting.
The Felon's Track | Michael Doheny
I must tell you that the tally attesting attendance is worth five shillings, the old crown-piece.
The Immortal | Alphonse Daudet
A testimonial from my father attesting my capacity for the curriculum procured me matriculation without difficulty.
Autobiography of Friedrich Froebel | Friedrich Froebel
A part of the obligations assumed by the members of this Legion shows why it is thus pursued, while also attesting its innocence.
Charles Sumner; his complete works, volume 5 (of 20) | Charles Sumner

British Dictionary definitions for attest

attest

/ (əˈtɛst) /

verb

(tr) to affirm the correctness or truth of
(when intr, usually foll by to) to witness (an act, event, etc) or bear witness to (an act, event, etc) as by signature or oath

(tr) to make evident; demonstrate: his life of luxury attests his wealth
(tr) to provide evidence for: the marks in the ground attested the presence of a fossil

Origin of attest

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

Derived forms of attest

attestable, adjective
attestant, attester, esp law attestor or attestator, noun
attestation (ˌætɛˈsteɪʃən), noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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