give evidence as a witness in a law court, declare one's religious faith or loyalty

testify to something, testify against someone, testify to someone's character

Formal and Informal Expressions of testify

In different contexts, you can replace 'testify' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'attest, declare' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'swear, vouch' is a commonplace synonym.

testify: Explore its Definition & Usage

testify Definition

1give evidence as a witness in a law court
2declare one's religious faith or loyalty

Using testify: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "testify" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He was asked to testify against his former boss.
Example
The witness testified that she saw the defendant at the scene of the crime.
Example
She will testify in court tomorrow.
Example
I testify that I have never seen him before.

testify Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for testify

Antonyms for testify

Phrases with testify

testify to something
give evidence or proof of something
Example
The success of the project testifies to the hard work of the team.
testify against someone
give evidence that helps to prove someone is guilty of a crime
Example
He refused to testify against his friends.
testify to someone's character
give evidence about someone's good character
Example
Several people came forward to testify to his honesty and integrity.

Origins of testify

from Latin 'testis', meaning 'witness'

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Summary: testify in Brief

To 'testify' [ˈtɛstɪfaɪ] means to give evidence as a witness in a law court, or to declare one's religious faith or loyalty. It can be used in phrases like 'testify to something,' meaning to give evidence or proof of something, and 'testify against someone,' meaning to give evidence that helps to prove someone is guilty of a crime.