First Known Use: circa 1500
Dictionary
attest
verb at·test \ə-ˈtest\
: to show, prove, or state that something is true or real
Full Definition of ATTEST
transitive verb
1
a : to affirm to be true or genuine; specifically : to authenticate by signing as a witness b : to authenticate officially
2
: to establish or verify the usage of
3
: to be proof of : manifest <her record attests her integrity>
4
: to put on oath
intransitive verb
: to bear witness : testify <attest to a belief>
— at·tes·ta·tion \ˌa-ˌtes-ˈtā-shən, ˌa-tə-ˈstā-\ noun
— at·test·er \ə-ˈtes-tər\ noun
See attest defined for English-language learners
See attest defined for kids
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Origin of ATTEST
Middle French attester, from Latin attestari, from ad- + testis witness — more at testament
Related to ATTEST
- Synonyms
- certify, authenticate, avouch, testify (to), vouch (for), witness
Synonym Discussion of ATTEST
certify, attest, witness, vouch mean to testify to the truth or genuineness of something. certify usually applies to a written statement, especially one carrying a signature or seal <certified that the candidate had met all requirements>. attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses <attested to the authenticity of the document>. witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness <witnessed the signing of the will>. vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person <willing to vouch for her integrity>.
ATTEST Defined for Kids
attest
verb at·test \ə-ˈtest\
at·test·edat·test·ing
Definition of ATTEST for Kids
: to show or give proof of : say to be true <I can attest to his innocence.>
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Next Word in the Dictionary: attestablePrevious Word in the Dictionary: atterrateAll Words Near: attest
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