Definition of attest
transitive verb
1a : to affirm to be true or genuine; specifically : to authenticate by signing as a witnessb : 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
Read the Latest from M-W
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 of attest from the Web
-
Some professionals attest that electroconvulsive treatments work better than medication, but scientists have done little research in this area.
-
The San Diego County Fair doesn’t try to cater to every musical taste, as fans of jazz, death-metal, polka and other styles can attest.
-
Having known Crowell for years, Grafton attested to his experience and passion for skydiving.
-
Police made two more attests Saturday, bringing the number of suspects in custody to 11.
-
Ronnie is a pudgy nerd, with tech-geek skills and a brain-melting crush on C. J. Summer is there for Matt to ogle and flirt with, and to attest to the screenwriters’ utter inability to make a woman in a bathing suit an interesting character.
-
Black and McMullen attest to the joy of the customers who have purchased their plastic playmates –
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.
Origin and Etymology of attest
Middle French attester, from Latin attestari, from ad- + testis witness — more at testament
Synonym Discussion of attest
ATTEST Defined for English Language Learners
attest
playDefinition of attest for English Language Learners
-
: to show, prove, or state that something is true or real
ATTEST Defined for Kids
attest
playDefinition of attest for Students
attested
;attesting
: to show or give proof of : say to be true I can attest to his innocence.
Law Dictionary
Origin and Etymology of attest
Latin attestari, from ad to + testari to call to witness, from testis witness
Learn More about attest
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for attest Spanish Central: Translation of attest Nglish: Translation of attest for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of attest for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up attest? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!