testimony

[tes-tuh-moh-nee, -muh-nee]

noun

plural

testimonies 

1. Law.,  the statement or declaration of a witness under oath or affirmation, usually in court.

   Synonyms: attestation, deposition

2. evidence in support of a fact or statement; proof.

   Synonyms: corroboration

3. open declaration or profession, as of faith.

   Synonyms: affirmation

4. Usually testimonies. the precepts of God.

5. the Decalogue as inscribed on the two tablets of the law, or the ark in which the tablets were kept. Exodus 16:34; 25:16.

6. Archaic.,  a declaration of disapproval; protest.

testimony

/ ˈtɛstɪmənɪ /

noun

1. a declaration of truth or fact

2. law evidence given by a witness, esp orally in court under oath or affirmation

3. evidence testifying to something

   her success was a testimony to her good luck

4. Old Testament

   1. the Ten Commandments, as inscribed on the two stone tables

   2. the Ark of the Covenant as the receptacle of these (Exodus 25:16; 16:34)

Other Word Forms

• pretestimony noun
• retestimony noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of testimony¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin testimōnium, equivalent to testi(s) “witness” + -mōnium noun suffix; -mony

Word History and Origins

Origin of testimony¹

C15: from Latin testimōnium, from testis witness

Synonym Study

See evidence.

Example Sentences

His “crime” is allegedly giving false testimony as part of the investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election.

From Salon

In lieu of their own statements on Friday, Subramanian read several of the victims' remarks from testimony, telling Combs: "These were serious offences that irreparably harmed two women."

From BBC

In filings, they recalled the women's testimony about participating in lengthy "freak-off" sessions with Combs and male escorts he requested, even when they felt coerced and suffered physically from the lengthy encounters.

From BBC

In Thursday's judgement, Mr Justice Baker said Shah was "not a trustworthy individual" and his testimony had contained "implausible claims and obvious lies".

From BBC

The report published multiple testimonies from women, who were not named.

From BBC

Related Words

• affidavit 
• data 
• demonstration 
• deposition 
• documentation 
• evidence 
• information 
• statement 
• testament 
• witness