bear witness

American  

[bair wit-nis] / ˈbɛər ˈwɪt nɪs /

idiom

1. to serve as evidence that something is true or real.

   Not everyone’s sobriety can bear witness to the effectiveness of rehab, but in her case it most certainly can.

2. to proclaim or demonstrate a devout belief in.

   Who will join me in bearing witness to our Lord?

3. to testify; give or afford evidence, as in a court of law.

   When the case went to trial, he reluctantly agreed to bear witness against his neighbor.

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Etymology

Origin of bear witness

First recorded in 1300–50

Example Sentences

"Suffice it to say, the trip was an honor. I had a chance to bear witness, and I witnessed the best of America," he said.

From Barron's

"Suffice it to say, the trip was an honor. I had a chance to bear witness, and I witnessed the best of America," he said.

From Barron's

But Ms. Hopper finds “something liberating about bearing witness” to an artist so “unrepentant” about her own internal chaos.

From The Wall Street Journal

Logic dictates that England's role on Saturday will be to simply bear witness to France's title-winning coronation.

From BBC

Brent believed deeply in the responsibility of journalists to document history and bear witness.

From Los Angeles Times