testify

/ˌtɛstəˈfaɪ/

/ˈtɛstɪfaɪ/

Other forms: testified; testifying; testifies

To testify is to make a statement or provide evidence, usually in court. Witnesses testify for the prosecution or defense.

If you've ever seen a TV show about lawyers, you've probably seen someone testifying: putting their hand on the Bible, sitting in the witness seat, and telling what they know about a case. Testifying is serious business, but it doesn't always happen in court: If someone knows you're good at math, they can testify to your math skills. Or if you've been to a restaurant, you can testify to your friends that it has awesome desserts.

Definitions of testify

1. verb

   give testimony in a court of law
   synonyms: attest, bear witness, take the stand

   types:

   vouch

   give personal assurance; guarantee

   type of:

   declare

   state emphatically and authoritatively
2. verb

   provide evidence for
   “Her behavior testified to her incompetence”

   synonyms: bear witness, evidence, prove, show

   types:

   attest, certify, demonstrate, evidence, manifest

   provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes

   presume

   constitute reasonable evidence for

   abduce, adduce, cite

   advance evidence for

   authenticate

   establish the authenticity of something

   reflect

   give evidence of

   reflect

   give evidence of a certain behavior

   notarise, notarize

   authenticate as a notary

   condemn

   demonstrate the guilt of (someone)

   type of:

   inform

   impart knowledge of some fact, state or affairs, or event to