attest

American  

[uh-test] / əˈtɛst /

verb (used with object)

1. to bear witness to; certify; declare to be correct, true, or genuine; declare the truth of, in words or writing, especially to affirm in an official capacity.

   to attest the truth of a statement.

2. to give proof or evidence of; manifest.

   His works attest his industry.

3. Linguistics. to give evidence of the existence of (a word, phrase, usage, etc.), especially in writing: The dictionary attests this meaning as early as 1890.

   The plural form is attested in ancient texts.

   The dictionary attests this meaning as early as 1890.

4. to put on oath.

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verb (used without object)

1. to testify or bear witness (often followed byto ).

   to attest to the reliability of an employee.

noun

1. Archaic. witness; testimony; attestation.

attest British  

/ ˌætɛˈsteɪʃən, əˈtɛst /

verb

1. (tr) to affirm the correctness or truth of

2. to witness (an act, event, etc) or bear witness to (an act, event, etc) as by signature or oath

3. (tr) to make evident; demonstrate

   his life of luxury attests his wealth

4. (tr) to provide evidence for

   the marks in the ground attested the presence of a fossil

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Other Word Forms

• attestable adjective
• attestant noun
• attestation noun
• attestator noun
• attester noun
• attestive adjective
• attestor noun
• reattest verb (used with object)
• unattested adjective
• well-attested adjective

Etymology

Origin of attest

First recorded in 1590–1600; < Middle French attester, from Latin attestārī “to bear witness to, affirm, confirm” equivalent to at- at- + testārī “to witness” ( testis ( def. ) )

Example Sentences

In the Hungarian countryside, activism often comes at a price, some dearer than others, as campaigners in Jaszfenyszaru can attest.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

All Hachette authors are required to attest that their manuscripts are “original and created by them” before receiving a contract, the spokeswoman said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Meanwhile, a more senior prosecutor named Mark Coyne would attest that Habba was not running the office and that the triumvirate was following the law.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

A statement from Kimbark Elementary’s principal was also required to attest to Honey’s academic readiness.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

Greek art reached a pinnacle of beauty as respect for the individual flourished in Athens, and Roman relics attest to the might of the greatest empire in the ancient world.

From "The Annotated Mona Lisa" by Carol Strickland and John Boswell

Related Words

• authenticate
• corroborate
• demonstrate
• indicate
• substantiate
• swear
• verify