testimony
n. C / Un. a formal statement that someone gives to prove what is true, especially in a court of law. It can also be a clear sign that something exists or is true.
n. a formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law. Often used figuratively to describe evidence or proof of a particular fact or quality.
The witness gave her testimony to the judge.
The jury listened carefully to the expert's testimony before deciding if the evidence was reliable.
The success of the local community garden is a powerful testimony to what can be achieved when neighbors collaborate toward a shared environmental goal.
PIE word *tréyes Inherited from Middle English testimonie, from Old French testimonie, from Latin testimōnium (“testimony”).
Uncountable when referring to the general act of giving evidence; countable when referring to a specific instance or statement.
The witness gave a testimonyThe witness gave testimonyIn a legal context, 'testimony' is usually uncountable; using an indefinite article makes it sound like a physical object rather than a legal process.