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TESTIMONY
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Something that serves as evidence
Example:
his effort was testimony to his devotion
Synonyms:
testimonial; testimony
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("testimony" is a kind of...):
evidence (an indication that makes something evident)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "testimony"):
good authority (testimony by someone who should know)
testament (strong evidence for something)
Derivation:
testify (give testimony in a court of law)
testify (provide evidence for)
testimonial (of or relating to or constituting testimony)
Sense 2
Meaning:
An assertion offering firsthand authentication of a fact
Example:
according to his own testimony he can't do it
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("testimony" is a kind of...):
assertion; asseveration; averment (a declaration that is made emphatically (as if no supporting evidence were necessary))
Derivation:
testify (give testimony in a court of law)
testify (provide evidence for)
testimonial (of or relating to or constituting testimony)
Sense 3
Meaning:
A solemn statement made under oath
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("testimony" is a kind of...):
evidence ((law) all the means by which any alleged matter of fact whose truth is investigated at judicial trial is established or disproved)
Domain category:
jurisprudence; law (the collection of rules imposed by authority)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "testimony"):
witness (testimony by word or deed to your religious faith)
declaration ((law) unsworn statement that can be admitted in evidence in a legal transaction)
attestation (the action of bearing witness)
affidavit (written declaration made under oath; a written statement sworn to be true before someone legally authorized to administer an oath)
subornation (perjured testimony that someone was persuaded to give)
Derivation:
testify (give testimony in a court of law)
testimonial (of or relating to or constituting testimony)
Context examples:
The respect created by the conviction of his valuable qualities, though at first unwillingly admitted, had for some time ceased to be repugnant to her feeling; and it was now heightened into somewhat of a friendlier nature, by the testimony so highly in his favour, and bringing forward his disposition in so amiable a light, which yesterday had produced.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
I remained an inmate of its walls, after its regeneration, for eight years: six as pupil, and two as teacher; and in both capacities I bear my testimony to its value and importance.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
It dealt with man and his soul-gropings in their ultimate terms, plumbing the abysses of space for the testimony of remotest suns and rainbow spectrums.
(Martin Eden, by Jack London)
As Elinor and Marianne were walking together the next morning the latter communicated a piece of news to her sister, which in spite of all that she knew before of Marianne's imprudence and want of thought, surprised her by its extravagant testimony of both.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
She was obliged to recollect that her seeing the letter was a violation of the laws of honour, that no one ought to be judged or to be known by such testimonies, that no private correspondence could bear the eye of others, before she could recover calmness enough to return the letter which she had been meditating over, and say—Thank you.
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
I beg permission to have a few witnesses examined concerning my character, and if their testimony shall not overweigh my supposed guilt, I must be condemned, although I would pledge my salvation on my innocence.
(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)
For the truth of everything here related, I can appeal more particularly to the testimony of Colonel Fitzwilliam, who, from our near relationship and constant intimacy, and, still more, as one of the executors of my father's will, has been unavoidably acquainted with every particular of these transactions.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
Yes, continued Elinor, gathering more resolution, as some of the worst was over, Colonel Brandon means it as a testimony of his concern for what has lately passed—for the cruel situation in which the unjustifiable conduct of your family has placed you—a concern which I am sure Marianne, myself, and all your friends, must share; and likewise as a proof of his high esteem for your general character, and his particular approbation of your behaviour on the present occasion.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
Mrs. Ferrars, not aware of their being Elinor's work, particularly requested to look at them; and after they had received gratifying testimony of Lady Middletons's approbation, Fanny presented them to her mother, considerately informing her, at the same time, that they were done by Miss Dashwood.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
She narrowed her eyes and shivered. Lucille shivered. We all turned and looked around for Gatsby. It was testimony to the romantic speculation he inspired that there were whispers about him from those who found little that it was necessary to whisper about in this world.
(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)
