B2noun2K

Witness

UK /["/ˈwɪtnəs/"]/US /["/ˈwɪtnəs/"]/

Definition

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.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • 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

  • observer
  • bystander
  • eyewitness
  • spectator

Antonyms

  • perpetrator
  • ignoramus

Common mistakes

  • 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.