What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
declarant
Example
The declarant testified that he saw the defendant at the scene of the crime. [declarant: noun]
Example
The declarant's statement was recorded and submitted as evidence in court. [declarant's: possessive adjective]
deponent
Example
The deponent swore to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. [deponent: noun]
Example
The deponent's deposition was used as evidence in the trial. [deponent's: possessive adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Declarant and deponent are both relatively uncommon words outside of legal contexts. However, deponent is more commonly used in British English and in criminal law proceedings, while declarant is more commonly used in American English and in civil law proceedings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between declarant and deponent?
Both declarant and deponent are formal words that are typically used in legal contexts. However, deponent may be considered slightly more formal due to its Latin origin and less frequent usage in everyday language.
