ENGLISH
REFERENCE

testifying

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtɛstəˌfaɪɪŋ// UK //tˈɛstɪfˌaɪɪŋ// tes·ti·fy·ing

v. giving a formal statement about what you know, usually in a court of law. You are promising that what you say is true.

v. providing formal evidence or a statement of fact, typically under oath in a judicial proceeding. Often implies a public or official declaration of truth.


SIMPLE

The witness is testifying in court today.

CONTEXTUAL

After months of preparation, the lead investigator began testifying about the evidence found at the scene.

COMPLEX

The success of the prosecution's case relied heavily on the victim testifying clearly and consistently despite the intense pressure of the cross-examination.

Synonyms
Usage

The present participle of 'testify'. Often takes the preposition 'to' or 'against'.

Pitfall

He is testifying for the truth.He is testifying to the truth.When confirming a fact or event, the verb 'testify' typically takes the preposition 'to' rather than 'for'.

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