attest

verb

at·​test ə-ˈtest How to pronounce attest (audio)
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 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 The driveline is original, and the matching-numbers engine also attests to the car’s authenticity. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024 Its commercial success attests to the power of Witherspoon’s multi-platform strategy. Ellie Austin, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2024 The couple had family, friends, their pastor and local business owners attest to their commitment as parents. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 Despite initial skepticism, their success over the last five years attests to their ability to understand and fulfill the nuanced needs of their clientele. Kaleigh Moore, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 But one of our editors attests that the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash really does make a difference on her son’s acne-prone skin within days. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 13 Feb. 2024 And yet, as both Joe Biden and I can attest, the devastation wrought by GBM across extended families and friendship networks is massive. Ourbrainbank, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 There are pop stars like Taylor Swift and Madonna whose touring shows, as TikTok attests, shine a light on presence and physicality as these artists sing and dance, exploring the limits of what their bodies can and cannot do. Gia Kourlas, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2024 Trump is a constant background presence, as Marco Amezcua can attest. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'attest.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of attest was circa 1500

Dictionary Entries Near attest

Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attest. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

attest

verb
at·​test ə-ˈtest How to pronounce attest (audio)
: to give proof of : testify to
the result attests the truth of that statement
I can attest to your innocence
attestation noun
attester noun

Legal Definition

attest

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

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 noun
Etymology

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

More from Merriam-Webster on attest

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