attest Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
    certify; demonstrate; evidence; manifest.
    • His high fever attested to his illness
    • The buildings in Rome manifest a high level of architectural sophistication
    • This decision demonstrates his sense of fairness
  2. verb authenticate, affirm to be true, genuine, or correct, as in an official capacity
    • I attest this signature
  3. verb give testimony in a court of law
    bear witness; testify; take the stand.
  4. verb establish or verify the usage of
    • This word is not attested until 1993

WordNet

At"test" transitive verb
Etymology
L. attestari; ad + testari to bear witness: cf. F. attester.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Attested; present participle & verbal noun Attesting
Definitions
  1. To bear witness to; to certify; to affirm to be true or genuine; as, to attest the truth of a writing, a copy of record.
    Facts . . . attested by particular pagan authors. Addison.
  2. To give proof of; to manifest; as, the ruins of Palmyra attest its ancient magnificence.
  3. To call to witness; to invoke. Archaic
    The sacred streams which Heaven's imperial state Attests in oaths, and fears to violate. Dryden.
At*test" noun
Definitions
  1. Witness; testimony; attestation. R.
    The attest of eyes and ears. Shak.

Webster 1913