Word
attest
Phoneticsat·test, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈtɛst/
UK/ɐtˈɛst/
Definitions
01to provide evidence
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to show that something is true or exists by being an example of it.
v. to serve as evidence or proof of something. Often used with the preposition 'to'.
“The long lines at the bakery attest to the quality of their bread.”
“The numerous awards displayed in the lobby attest to the firm's long-standing commitment to architectural excellence.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02to certify formally
C1 · Advanced Law Formal · Technical
v. to state formally that something is true, especially by signing a document.
v. to affirm that something is correct, true, or genuine, typically in an official or legal capacity.
“The witness had to attest that the signature on the contract was real.”
“The notary public is required to attest to the identity of the signatories before the deed can be finalised.”
Usage
The verb is often intransitive when followed by 'to' ('attest to something'), but can be transitive in formal legal contexts ('attest a document').
Pitfall
He can attest for my character.
He can attest to my character.
While 'vouch' takes 'for', 'attest' typically takes 'to' when providing evidence of a quality or fact.
Real-World Examples
“Many attest to the professor’s kindness and the care he lavished on those he was responsible for and, through access programmes, on others he never really knew.” “Within higher education, Jason Arday is well known for the kindness he promotes; many thousands of the students and staff he has encountered over the years will attest to this.” Etymology
PIE word *tréyes Borrowed from Middle French attester, from Latin attestor (“to witness to, bear witness”), from at-, combining form of ad (“to”) + testor (“to bear witness”), from testis (“a witness”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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