testimonial

American  

[tes-tuh-moh-nee-uhl] / ˌtɛs təˈmoʊ ni əl /

noun

1. 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.

2. something given or done as an expression of esteem, admiration, or gratitude.

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adjective

1. pertaining to or serving as a testimonial.

   a testimonial dinner for the retiring dean.

testimonial British  

/ ˌtɛstɪˈməʊnɪəl /

noun

1. 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

2. a formal statement of truth or fact

3. a tribute given for services or achievements

4. a sports match to raise money for a particular player

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adjective

1. 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

Etymology

Origin of testimonial

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Late Latin word testimōniālis. See testimony, -al ¹

Explanation

A testimonial is like a personal recommendation. If you give a testimonial on behalf of a restaurant, then you really like that restaurant. If you've seen the word testimony — meaning spoken evidence in court — then you might have a clue to the meaning of testimonial. Like testimonies, a testimonial is evidence or proof of something good: getting an A in math is a testimonial to your math skills. Testimonials can also be a spoken or written endorsement of something: You might write a testimonial about the awesome cupcakes on your favorite bakery's website, for example.

Example Sentences

Testimonial injustice occurs when the opinions of individuals or groups are unfairly ignored or treated as untrustworthy.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

Testimonial injustice occurs when the opinions of individuals are systematically discounted or ignored unfairly.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

The Bartows lived in Northridge at the time, with Murry serving a stint as the sports editor of his junior high newspaper, The Testimonial.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2018

The document delves into detail: “the Testimonial Dinner, the Seance, the Gymnasium and the Picnic,” and so on.

From The New Yorker • May 30, 2016

Testimonial of respect and gratitude, presented to Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore by their Jewesh Brethen in the United Kingdom and the Colonies.

From Diaries of Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore, Volume I Comprising Their Life and Work as Recorded in Their Diaries From 1812 to 1883 by Loewe, Louis

Related Words

• endorsement
• homage
• ovation
• remembrance
• testament
• testimony