Attest

Pronunciation

• IPA: /əˈtÉ›st/
• Rhymes: -É›st

Origin

From Middle French attester, from Latin attestor ("to witness to, bear witness"), from at-, combining form of ad ("to") + testor ("to bear witness"), from testis ("a witness").

Full definition of attest

Verb

1. To affirm to be correct, true, or genuine.When will the appraiser attest the date of the painting?
• Addisonfacts ... attested by particular pagan authors
• 1599 — Shakespeare, iii 1 (Act ii in First Folio edition)Dishonour not your Mothers: now attest that those whom you call'd Fathers, did beget you.
2. To certify by signature or oathYou must attest your will in order for it to be valid.
3. To certify in an official capacity.
4. To supply or be evidence ofHer fine work attested her ability.
• Schuster Hepaticae V|viiiThe supplementary bibliography (in Vol. VI) attests to the comprehensiveness of the effort.
• 1599 — Shakespeare, Prologue (First Folio edition)O pardon : since a crooked Figure may
  Attest in little place a Million,
  And let us, Cyphers to this great Accompt,
  On your imaginarie Forces worke.
5. To put under oath.
6. To call to witness; to invoke.
• DrydenThe sacred streams which Heaven's imperial state
  Attests in oaths, and fears to violate.

Derived terms

• attestation
• attested
• attestment