attest

verb

at·​test ə-ˈtest 

attested; attesting; attests

transitive verb

1

a

: 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

a word that was first attested in the 18th century

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

attester

ə-ˈte-stər 

noun

Synonyms

• authenticate
• avouch
• certify
• testify (to)
• vouch (for)
• witness

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

Still, many generations of composers have attested to the disinhibiting effect of life on the West Coast. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Dec. 2023

Sometimes, as those who have been in his shoes can attest, there are no simple answers. —Rory Smith, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023

Palmer claimed the abuse occurred over a two-year period, and that her mother and sister could attest to witnessing it. —Benjamin Vanhoose, Peoplemag, 1 Dec. 2023

Sharon may not know that the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade will happen in the coldest weather and this year’s event can attest to the cold weather. —Walter Loeb, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023

The leggings’ smooth outer shell is made of a water-resistant material that keeps you dry in light rain and snow, reviewers attest. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2023

As guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attests, many such symptoms may be caused by viral infections. —Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2023

Designed to absorb negative energy, these dolls are a fun and therapeutic way to vent, as attested by satisfied customers who find joy and relief in using them. —Kathy Barr, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2023

In 1876, as the story goes and an historical marker in Westport, Mass., attests, the farmers Aiden and Elihu Macomber brought turnip seeds back from the Philadelphia Exposition and planted them. —Florence Fabricant, New York Times, 13 Nov. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

attest

verb

at·​test ə-ˈtest 

: to give proof of : testify to

the result attests the truth of that statement

I can attest to your innocence

attestation

ˌa-ˌtes-ˈtā-shən 

noun

attester

ə-ˈtes-tər 

noun

Legal Definition

attest

verb

at·​test ə-ˈtest 

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

attestation

ˌa-ˌtes-ˈtā-shən 

noun

Etymology

Latin attestari, from ad to + testari to call to witness, from testis witness