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testimony

n.
US //ˈtɛstəˌmoʊni// UK //tˈɛstɪməni// tes·ti·mo·ny
  1. 1 legal evidence (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    a formal statement made by a witness in a court of law.

    a formal written or spoken statement given in a court of law, usually under oath.

    Example

    The jury listened carefully to the witness's testimony during the trial.

    Example

    The prosecution relied heavily on the eyewitness testimony, which provided a detailed account of the defendant's whereabouts on the night of the crime.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'give', 'provide', or 'hear'.
  2. 2 proof or evidence (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    something that serves as clear proof that a fact or situation is true.

    evidence or proof of a fact, quality, or event.

    Example

    The success of the project is a testimony to her hard work.

    Example

    The enduring popularity of the novel is a testimony to the author's profound understanding of human nature.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'a testimony to'.
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  1. 3 religious account (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Religion

    a personal story about someone's religious faith or a spiritual experience.

    a public recount of a religious conversion or spiritual experience, typically shared within a faith community.

    Example

    Several members of the church shared their personal testimony during the Sunday service.

    Example

    The service concluded with a moving testimony from a recent convert who described how the community had supported his spiritual journey.
Origin

PIE word *tréyes Inherited from Middle English testimonie, from Old French testimonie, from Latin testimōnium (“testimony”).

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