C1verb formal 10K+

Testify

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈtestɪfaɪ/","/ˈtestɪfaɪz/","/ˈtestɪfaɪd/","/ˈtestɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈtestɪfaɪ/","/ˈtestɪfaɪz/","/ˈtestɪfaɪd/","/ˈtestɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Testify

to make a statement that something happened or that something is true, especially as a witness in court

In simple words: To say what you know in a court of law.

Testify in a sentence

• She agreed to testify in court about what she witnessed.
• The witness was called to testify against the defendant.
• Historically, artifacts testify to the culture of ancient civilizations.
• The rise in sales testifies to the product's popularity.
• During the trial, several experts testified about the safety standards.

How to use Testify

Used primarily in legal contexts. It's formal and may not be appropriate in casual conversation. Doesn't typically appear in everyday language outside of courtroom discussions.

Grammar pattern

testify + (about/to) + object

Memory hint

Think of 'test' and 'fy' like making a formal statement; you testify to support the truth.

Related words

Collocations with Testify

• falsely
• truthfully
• publicly
• ask somebody to
• call somebody to
• call upon somebody to
• against
• before
• for
• testify in court
• testify under oath

Synonyms for Testify

• witness
• declare
• attest
• affirm
• swear

Opposites of Testify

• deny
• refute
• disprove

Common mistakes with Testify

• Confused with 'test' — testifying is verbal, while testing can be written or practical.
• Omitting the preposition when following with a noun (e.g., 'testify my knowledge' instead of 'testify about my knowledge').

Frequently asked questions about Testify

What does Testify mean?

To say what you know in a court of law.

What is the definition of Testify?

to make a statement that something happened or that something is true, especially as a witness in court

How do you use Testify in a sentence?

She agreed to testify in court about what she witnessed.

Can you give another example of Testify?

The witness was called to testify against the defendant.

What are synonyms for Testify?

Common alternatives include witness, declare, attest, affirm, swear.

What is the opposite of Testify?

Opposite meanings include deny, refute, disprove.

What words go with Testify?

It commonly pairs with falsely, truthfully, publicly, ask somebody to, call somebody to, call upon somebody to, against, before, for, testify in court, testify under oath.

What are common mistakes when using Testify?

Confused with 'test' — testifying is verbal, while testing can be written or practical. Omitting the preposition when following with a noun (e.g., 'testify my knowledge' instead of 'testify about my knowledge').

How do you pronounce Testify?

US: /["/ˈtestɪfaɪ/","/ˈtestɪfaɪz/","/ˈtestɪfaɪd/","/ˈtestɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈtestɪfaɪ/","/ˈtestɪfaɪz/","/ˈtestɪfaɪd/","/ˈtestɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Testify formal or informal?

"Testify" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Testify?

Used primarily in legal contexts. It's formal and may not be appropriate in casual conversation. Doesn't typically appear in everyday language outside of courtroom discussions.

What CEFR level is Testify?

"Testify" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.