attest

verb at·test \ ə-ˈtest \

Definition of attest

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

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

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attestation

play \ˌa-ˌtes-ˈtā-shən, ˌa-tə-ˈstā-\ noun

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attester

play \ə-ˈtes-tər\ noun

See attest defined for English-language learners

See attest defined for kids

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

Like late-night comic Stephen Colbert can attest, having President Donald Trump as a regular punching bag is great for business.

— david bauder, Detroit Free Press, "MSNBC surges as home for President Donald Trump opponents," 7 Aug. 2017
As any mother with two young children running around the house can attest, there’s not a whole lot of time left over at the end of the day to pay attention to yourself and your needs.

— emily kirkpatrick, PEOPLE.com, "Jessica Simpson Shows Off a Part of Her Leg She Forgot to Shave," 31 July 2017
Polls show that 76% of Poles oppose a politicised judiciary, as the protests in Warsaw and other cities attested.

— The Economist, "Poland’s government is putting the courts under its control," 22 July 2017
But as many people who have searched for a public restroom can attest, if such a rule is in place, many restaurants aren't following it.

— john byrne, chicagotribune.com, "Alderman's plan to make restaurants open their restrooms to non-customers stalls," 19 July 2017
Juweiya Ali, a 24-year-old U.S. citizen who is a home health aide in Seattle, can attest to the hardships endured as a result of the ban.

— kristal brent zook, Essence.com, "How Donald Trump's Travel Ban Attempts Have Deeply Wounded Black Families And Individuals," 18 July 2017
But current conduct codes are evidently insufficient, as the recent wave of campus disruptions, including one at UNC, attests.

— sapna rampersaud, National Review, "North Carolina’s Legislature Seeks to Protect Free Speech on Campus," 11 July 2017
Waldrop, who specializes in foot and ankle surgery, can attest to that.

— rainer sabin, AL.com, "Inside the technology giving Alabama a competitive edge," 2 July 2017
For example, there must be widespread evidence in a variety of sources, attested over a significant period of time.

— danielle tcholakian, Longreads, "How Do Words Get Added to the Dictionary?," 29 June 2017

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1500

See Words from the same year

attest Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

disprove, rebut, refute

Related Words

guarantee, warrant; affirm, assert, aver, avow, profess, vow

Near Antonyms

contradict, gainsay; deny, disavow, disclaim; challenge, contest, dispute, question

Synonym Discussion of 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

ATTEST Defined for English Language Learners

attest

verb

Definition of attest for English Language Learners

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

ATTEST Defined for Kids

attest

verb at·test \ ə-ˈtest \

Definition of attest for Students

attested; attesting

:to show or give proof of :say to be true

I can attest to his innocence.

Law Dictionary

attest

verb at·test \ ə-ˈtest \

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

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attestation

play \ˌa-ˌtes-ˈtā-shən\ noun

Origin and Etymology of attest

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

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Examples of attest in a Sentence

Recent Examples of attest from the Web

Origin and Etymology of attest

attest Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Synonym Discussion of attest

ATTEST Defined for English Language Learners

attest

Definition of attest for English Language Learners

ATTEST Defined for Kids

attest

Definition of attest for Students

Law Dictionary

attest

legal Definition of attest

attestation

Origin and Etymology of attest

Learn More about attest

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