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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Blackhawks are guaranteed nothing in this tear-down rebuild, as the beleaguered Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings can attest. Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 6 Dec. 2024 There are also myriad illegitimate purposes for fentanyl, as anyone remotely familiar with America's depressing drug overdose crisis can sadly attest. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 As my family can attest, guests who rent points are treated just like regular DVC members or guests paying full price on property, with complete access to resort amenities and perks. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024 None of the Cincinnati schools that tested the technology, from 2016 onward, were able to attest to the AI’s effectiveness. Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for attest 

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 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

attest

verb
at·​test ə-ˈtest How to pronounce attest (audio)
1
: to affirm to be true
2
: to be proof of
the result attests the truth of that statement
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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