1 attest | Definition of attest
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attest

verb
at·​test | \ ə-ˈtest How to pronounce attest (audio) \
attested; attesting; attests

Definition of attest

transitive verb

1a : 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 The first use of the word "Internet" is attested in 1985.
3 : to be proof of : manifest Her record attests her integrity.
4 : to put on oath

intransitive verb

: to show, prove, or state that something is true or real —usually used with to I can attest to the truth of his statement.attest to a belief
Other Words from attest Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about attest

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Other Words from attest

attester \ ə-​ˈtes-​tər How to pronounce attester (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of attest in a Sentence

I can attest that what he has said is true. The certificate attests the authenticity of the painting.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Warren, a former Harvard law professor, has sought to address those concerns by releasing letters from more than a dozen other law professors attesting to the wealth tax’s constitutionality. — Elana Schor, Fortune, "Too Rosy? Experts Question Warren's Wealth Tax Figures," 23 June 2019 The counterterrorism mission comes with obvious risks, attested to by the October 2017 ambush. — Robert Draper, National Geographic, "Surrounded by chaos, Niger is a nation on the edge," 17 June 2019 Anyone who has been to college can attest to the wide range — from A to Zzzzzzz — of performative abilities of the teaching staff. — Peter Marks, Washington Post, "Elizabethan," 21 Aug. 2019 Any devoted audiobook listener can attest: Spending nine hours (or more) in the company of a terrible reader — a shrieker, mumbler, droner, tooth whistler or overzealous thespian — is an experience that can truly ruin a book. — Dallas News, "Don't let a bad reader ruin your audiobook experience: Here are recordings to savor — and to avoid," 20 Aug. 2019 The piles of spent pull-tabs on the bar top and tables attest to the hall’s fundraising — around $75,000 a year goes to youth groups and senior citizen programs. — Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, "South St. Paul’s Croatian Hall turns 100," 18 Aug. 2019 The cautious tones of recent economic surveys attest to the syndrome. — Dan Walters, The Mercury News, "Walters: Is a severe recession in California inevitable?," 18 Aug. 2019 If a second complaint is received, the complainant must gather signatures from three residents in different households who can attest to the excessive barking. — Paulina Pineda, azcentral, "Barking dogs keeping you up at night? Tempe could make it easier to cite dog owners," 13 July 2019 Opponents were outnumbered by Marovic’s supporters, including two former mayors who attested to his business acumen and corporate citizenship. — Hillary Davis, latimes.com, "Newport’s Stag Bar gets OK to boost customer capacity by 25%," 21 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'attest.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of attest

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

History and Etymology for attest

Middle French attester, from Latin attestari, from ad- + testis witness — more at testament

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More Definitions for attest

attest

verb
How to pronounce attest (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of attest

formal : to show, prove, or state that something is true or real

See the full definition for attest in the English Language Learners Dictionary

attest

verb
at·​test | \ ə-ˈtest How to pronounce attest (audio) \
attested; attesting

Kids Definition of attest

: to show or give proof of : say to be true I can attest to his innocence.

attest

verb
at·​test | \ ə-ˈtest How to pronounce attest (audio) \

Legal Definition of attest

transitive verb

: to bear witness to : affirm to be true or genuine specifically : to authenticate (as a will) by signing as a witness

intransitive verb

: to bear witness : testify —often used with to

Other Words from attest

attestation \ ˌa-​ˌtes-​ˈtā-​shən

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