testimonial

[tes-tuh-moh-nee-uh l]

See more synonyms for testimonial on Thesaurus.com

noun

a written declaration certifying to a person's character, conduct, or qualifications, or to the value, excellence, etc., of a thing; a letter or written statement of recommendation.
something given or done as an expression of esteem, admiration, or gratitude.

adjective

pertaining to or serving as a testimonial: a testimonial dinner for the retiring dean.

Origin of testimonial

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Late Latin word testimōniālis. See testimony, -al¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for testimonial

homage, ovation, testimony, remembrance, endorsement, testament, salvo, reference, show, evidence, say-so, voucher, recommendation, commemoration, witness, memorial, degree, certificate, character, salute

Examples from the Web for testimonial

Contemporary Examples of testimonial

He was trying to sell the case for military action with the testimonial equivalent of Falstaffian soliloquies.
Syria: What Have We Learned?
Leslie H. Gelb
September 12, 2013
So I take it as a kind of testimonial that I finished second as "most disliked," behind Meghan McCain.
Note to Self: Must Try Harder
David Frum
July 19, 2012
But after 18 months of writing and editing, she has delivered her testimonial to them—and to us.
A French Hero's Tale of Survival
Eric Pape
September 21, 2010

Historical Examples of testimonial

What a testimonial is this record in favor of republican Boston and Massachusetts!
The Atlantic Monthly, Vol. 10, No. 58, August, 1862
Various
One was from a manufacturer of cold cream, soliciting a testimonial.
The Film of Fear
Arnold Fredericks
Indeed I cannot be quiet nor safe without such a testimonial.
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. IX
Various
I will write to him for a testimonial, at least to my probity and character.
The International Monthly, Volume 2, No. 4, March, 1851
Various
That's the result of all our Study in Scarlet: to get them a testimonial!
A Study In Scarlet
Arthur Conan Doyle

British Dictionary definitions for testimonial

testimonial

noun

1. a recommendation of the character, ability, etc, of a person or of the quality of a consumer product or service, esp by a person whose opinion is valued
2. (as modifier)testimonial advertising
a formal statement of truth or fact
a tribute given for services or achievements
a sports match to raise money for a particular player

adjective

of or relating to a testimony or testimonial

usage

Testimonial is sometimes wrongly used where testimony is meant: his re-election is a testimony (not a testimonial) to his popularity with his constituents

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

Word Origin and History for testimonial

adj.

early 15c., "of or pertaining to testimony," in letters testimonial from Middle French lettres testimoniaulx, from Latin litteræ testimoniales, from testimonium (see testimony). The noun meaning "writing testifying to one's qualification or character" is recorded from 1570s; that of "gift presented as an expression of appreciation" is from 1838.