B2noun 2K

Witness

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈwɪtnəs/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈwɪtnəs/"]/

Meaning of Witness

a person who sees something happen and is able to describe it to other people

In simple words: A person who sees something happen, especially in a crime.

Witness in a sentence

• The witness testified in court about what they saw during the accident.
• As a witness to the event, I can confirm that everything happened as planned.
• The police are looking for more witnesses to provide evidence for the case.
• Many witnesses reported seeing lights in the sky, leading to various theories about their origin.
• You should never pressure a witness to change their story; it's unethical.

How to use Witness

Use 'witness' when referring to someone who has seen an event, especially legal situations. Avoid informal settings where 'guy' or 'person' would be sufficient.

Grammar pattern

witness + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'window' — a witness is like a window to the event, letting you see what happened.

Related words

Collocations with Witness

• crucial
• key
• material
• appeal for
• trace
• come forward
• report
• account
• statement
• according to witness
• witness to
• chief
• main
• principal
• call
• subpoena
• summon
• be sworn in
• take the stand
• give evidence
• box
• stand
• summons
• a witness for the defence/​defense
• a witness for the prosecution
• crucial
• key
• material
• appeal for
• trace
• come forward
• report
• account
• statement
• according to witness
• witness to

Synonyms for Witness

• observer
• bystander
• eyewitness
• spectator

Opposites of Witness

• perpetrator
• ignoramus

Common mistakes with Witness

• Confusing 'witness' with 'testifier' — a witness is someone who sees, while a testifier often speaks in court.
• Using 'witnessed' incorrectly with an object — it's typically used for events (e.g., 'I witnessed the accident').
• Confusing the noun with the verb form without context.

Frequently asked questions about Witness

What does Witness mean?

A person who sees something happen, especially in a crime.

What is the definition of Witness?

a person who sees something happen and is able to describe it to other people

How do you use Witness in a sentence?

The witness testified in court about what they saw during the accident.

Can you give another example of Witness?

As a witness to the event, I can confirm that everything happened as planned.

What are synonyms for Witness?

Common alternatives include observer, bystander, eyewitness, spectator.

What is the opposite of Witness?

Opposite meanings include perpetrator, ignoramus.

What words go with Witness?

It commonly pairs with crucial, key, material, appeal for, trace, come forward, report, account, statement, according to witness, witness to, chief, main, principal, call, subpoena, summon, be sworn in, take the stand, give evidence, box, stand, summons, a witness for the defence/​defense, a witness for the prosecution, crucial, key, material, appeal for, trace, come forward, report, account, statement, according to witness, witness to.

What are common mistakes when using Witness?

Confusing 'witness' with 'testifier' — a witness is someone who sees, while a testifier often speaks in court. Using 'witnessed' incorrectly with an object — it's typically used for events (e.g., 'I witnessed the accident'). Confusing the noun with the verb form without context.

How do you pronounce Witness?

US: /["/ˈwɪtnəs/"]/, UK: /["/ˈwɪtnəs/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Witness?

Use 'witness' when referring to someone who has seen an event, especially legal situations. Avoid informal settings where 'guy' or 'person' would be sufficient.

What CEFR level is Witness?

"Witness" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.