bear witness
Americanidiom
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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.
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to proclaim or demonstrate a devout belief in.
Who will join me in bearing witness to our Lord?
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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.
Etymology
Origin of bear witness
First recorded in 1300–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"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 • Mar. 31, 2026
In his address to Minnesotans, Gov. Tim Walz urged residents to bear witness and help to create a record.
From Slate • Jan. 20, 2026
The statement adds that the artefacts "bear witness to the history of the encounter between faith and the cultures of the indigenous peoples".
From BBC • Nov. 15, 2025
The assembled liturgical objects, save one, bear witness to the highest levels of European artistry and craftsmanship of the period.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 12, 2025
If only so you can bear witness to its evil.
From "Every Day" by David Levithan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
