# testimony

/ˈtɛstəˌmoʊni/ (US) · /tˈɛstɪməni/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/testimony
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. legal evidence

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The jury listened carefully to the witness's testimony during the trial.
- 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. proof or evidence

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: evidence or proof of a fact, quality, or event.

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

### 3. religious account

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- Several members of the church shared their personal testimony during the Sunday service.
- The service concluded with a moving testimony from a recent convert who described how the community had supported his spiritual journey.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.