好词典

testify

UK //ˈtestɪfaɪ//US //ˈtestɪfaɪ//

词源

源自拉丁语 'testificari',由 'testis'(证人)和 'ficari'(做、制造)组成,字面意思是“作证”。14世纪通过古法语 'testifier' 进入英语。

verb

❶ 在法庭或其他正式场合中,通过宣誓或郑重声明的方式提供证言或证据,说明自己亲眼所见或亲身经历的事情。

“The witness will testify in court tomorrow.”

(证人明天将在法庭上作证。)

“She testified that she saw the accident happen.”

(她作证说她目睹了事故的发生。)

❶ 通过行为或表现来证明某种品质、事实或情感的存在,常用于表达强烈的个人感受或信念。

“Her smile testified to her happiness.”

(她的笑容证明了她的快乐。)

“The ruins testify to the ancient city's former glory.”

(这些废墟见证了这座古城昔日的辉煌。)

同义词:attest, declare, affirm, witness, prove

常见短语

testify against — 在法庭上提供对某人不利的证词,通常指指控或证明某人有罪。

“She was afraid to testify against the powerful businessman.”

(她害怕对那位有权势的商人作不利的证词。)

testify under oath — 在宣誓后提供证词,意味着所说内容必须真实,否则可能承担法律责任。

“The witness testified under oath that he saw the defendant at the scene.”

(证人在宣誓下作证说他看到被告在现场。)