testimony
gb/tˈɛstɪmˌoʊni/ us/tˈɛstɪmˌoʊni/
B2
English
~ 6300
vallomás, beszámoló, ajánló vélemény, bizonyíték, tanúbizonyság, bizonyságtétel, bizonyság
NOUN
B2
FORMAL
1
vallomás
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] gives testimony in [a trial / hearing]
The jury found her testimony credible and relied on it to reach a verdict.
Az esküdtszék hitelesnek találta a vallomását, és erre támaszkodva hozta meg az ítéletet.
Under oath, he changed his testimony and admitted that he had lied earlier.
Eskü alatt megváltoztatta a vallomását, és elismerte, hogy korábban hazudott.
The witness refused to give testimony in court without a lawyer present.
His expert testimony helped the judge understand the complex medical evidence.
The trial was delayed because one key witness failed to appear and provide testimony.
Learner examples
The witness gave testimony in court.
A tanú vallomást tett a bíróságon.
Her testimony helped the judge decide the case.
A vallomása segített a bírónak eldönteni az ügyet.
He told the truth in his testimony.
The lawyer asked many questions about her testimony.
The police used his testimony in the trial.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use *testimony* for any kind of casual statement or opinion. In this legal sense, it must be a formal statement given in court or another official legal setting. Also, do not confuse *testimony* with *testament* (which often means a will or strong proof) or *testimonial* (an advertisement-style statement praising a product or person).
Meaning
formal evidence in court
Collocations
eyewitness testimony
|sworn testimony
|expert testimony
|give testimony
|court testimony
|false testimony
Synonyms
evidence (Broader; includes physical objects and documents as well as spoken or written statements.)
|
deposition (A formal statement made before a trial, usually recorded; more technical and specific than general testimony.)
Antonyms
silence (Not giving any statement, especially when expected to speak as a witness.)
|
perjury (Not a direct opposite of testimony itself, but the crime of lying in one's testimony instead of telling the truth.)
Themes
law
|communication
|government
Definition
A formal statement that a person makes in court or in another legal meeting to say what they saw, know, or believe.
Spoken or written evidence that a person gives formally in a court of law or other official legal proceeding.
NOUN
B2
2
beszámoló
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] gives testimony about [an experience / a product / an event]
Former employees gave powerful testimony about the company’s toxic work culture.
Volt alkalmazottak megrázó beszámolókat adtak a vállalat mérgező munkahelyi kultúrájáról.
The charity’s website features video testimony from people who received help.
A jótékonysági szervezet honlapján olyan emberek videós beszámolói szerepelnek, akik segítséget kaptak.
Her calm testimony about the accident made the news report more believable.
Survivors’ testimony was collected by researchers documenting the conflict.
Parent testimony played an important role in changing the school’s policies.
Learner examples
She wrote a short testimony about her time in the program.
Rövid beszámolót írt a programban töltött idejéről.
Many customers gave testimony that the service was very good.
Sok ügyfél arról számolt be, hogy a szolgáltatás nagyon jó volt.
His testimony about life in the village was very touching.
The writer used real people’s testimony in the book.
The manager listened to staff testimony before making a change.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse *testimony* (a statement about real experience, often serious or official) with *story* or *review*. *Story* is more general and can be fictional; *review* is usually about products, films, or services and often includes a rating. *Testimony* suggests real experience used as evidence or support.
Meaning
personal or supportive statement
Collocations
personal testimony
|emotional testimony
|customer testimony
|moving testimony
|firsthand testimony
|video testimony
Synonyms
account (A neutral word for a description of events; less formal and less focused on supporting or proving something.)
|
testimonial (Often used for positive statements that promote a person, service, or product, especially in marketing.)
Antonyms
denial (A statement saying that something is not true, instead of supporting that it is true.)
Themes
communication
|business
|society
Definition
A statement where someone talks about their own experience or says that something is good, true, or helpful.
A spoken or written statement in which someone describes their personal experience or supports an idea, person, or product, especially as evidence that something is true or good.
NOUN
C1
3
bizonyíték
A2
Usage pattern:
[something] is a testimony to [something]
The survival of the ancient temple is a testimony to the skill of its builders.
Az ókori templom fennmaradása az építők szakértelmének bizonyítéka.
Her success is a testimony to years of hard work and patience.
Sikere hosszú évek kemény munkájának és türelmének bizonyítéka.
The crowded room was a testimony to the band’s growing popularity.
His calm response under pressure is a testimony to his training.
These results are a clear testimony to what can be achieved with teamwork.
Learner examples
The tall new buildings are a testimony to the city’s growth.
A magas, új épületek a város növekedésének bizonyítékai.
Her happy children are a testimony to her care.
Boldog gyerekei a gondoskodásának bizonyítékai.
The clean river is a testimony to better environmental rules.
The full stadium is a testimony to the team’s fame.
His good health at 90 is a testimony to his lifestyle.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *“a testimony of”* instead of the much more common pattern *“a testimony to”* (e.g., *“a testimony to her talent”*). They may also overuse this sense in casual speech; it is more common in written or slightly formal contexts such as essays, news, and speeches.
Meaning
sign or proof of something
Collocations
a testimony to [something]
|stand as a testimony to
|living testimony
|lasting testimony
|be testimony to
|remarkable testimony to
Synonyms
proof (Very close in meaning; focuses more directly on logical or factual certainty, while *testimony* can sound more literary or emphatic.)
|
evidence (Broad term for facts or signs; *testimony* in this sense often suggests something that is impressive or admirable.)
Antonyms
refutation (Something that shows a claim is false, the opposite of something that strongly supports or proves it.)
Themes
abstract
|evaluation
|society
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A clear sign that something is real or true, often used in the phrase "a testimony to".
Something that shows very clearly that a particular quality, fact, or situation is real or exists; strong evidence or proof of something, often used in the phrase "a testimony to".
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
4
bizonyság
C1
Usage pattern:
[someone] shares / gives [their] testimony
At the end of the service, several members shared their testimony with the congregation.
Az istentisztelet végén több tag is bizonyságot tett a gyülekezet előtt.
He wrote his testimony, describing how his faith helped him through addiction.
Megírta a bizonyságtételét, amelyben leírta, hogyan segítette őt a hite a függőség leküzdésében.
Her powerful testimony moved many people to reconsider their beliefs.
The conference opened with a short testimony from a new member of the church.
In some churches, giving your testimony is an important step in becoming a full member.
Learner examples
She gave her testimony at church last Sunday.
Múlt vasárnap bizonyságot tett a templomban.
He shared his testimony about how he became a Christian.
Megosztotta a bizonyságát arról, hogyan lett keresztény.
People listened quietly to his testimony about his faith.
The book is a written testimony of her religious life.
Members were invited to give a short testimony at the meeting.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that this religious sense is different from the legal sense. In church contexts, *testimony* usually means a personal faith story, not evidence in a court. They may also confuse *testimony* with *testament* (for example, *Old Testament*), which refers to a section of the Bible rather than a personal story.
Meaning
public statement of religious faith
Collocations
share your testimony
|give a testimony
|Christian testimony
|personal testimony
|powerful testimony
|faith testimony
Synonyms
witness (In religious contexts, *witness* can mean openly showing or telling others about one’s faith; *testimony* is the actual story or statement.)
|
faith story (Informal expression for a personal account of religious belief or experience.)
Antonyms
denial (Publicly saying that one does not believe, which contrasts with publicly declaring faith.)
Themes
religion
|communication
|personal
Definition
A public talk or writing where a person explains their religious faith or tells how their faith changed their life.
A spoken or written statement in which someone publicly describes their religious faith, especially how they came to believe or how their faith has affected their life.
Grammar
Dictionary form
testimony
IPA
GB/tˈɛstɪmˌoʊni/
US/tˈɛstɪmˌoʊni/
Syllables & stress
testi - mony (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (testi)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: testimony
- Plural: testimonies, testimony
Word family
Expressions
be a testimony to
3/bˈi ə tˈɛstɪmˌoʊni tə/
fixed phrase
serve as clear proof of
To clearly show that a quality, fact, or situation is real or exists.
Examples
- The success of the project is a testimony to the team’s hard work.
- His recovery is a testimony to the power of modern medicine.
bear testimony to
2/bˈɛɹ tˈɛstɪmˌoʊni tə/
idiom
formal
show clearly that something is true
To show very clearly that something is true or real.
Examples
- The many awards she has received bear testimony to her talent.
- These results bear testimony to the effectiveness of the new program.
give testimony
1/ɡˈɪv tˈɛstɪmˌoʊni/
fixed phrase
formal
provide formal evidence
To speak or write in an official way to say what you know, especially in court or another legal meeting.
Examples
- Several witnesses will give testimony when the trial begins next week.
- She agreed to give testimony in exchange for a lighter sentence.
share your testimony
5/ʃˈɛɹ jˈʊɹ tˈɛstɪmˌoʊni/
fixed phrase
formal
tell your faith story
To tell other people about your personal religious faith or how your faith changed your life.
Examples
- Members were invited to share their testimony at the evening service.
- He was nervous the first time he shared his testimony in front of the church.
sworn testimony
4/swˈɔɹn tˈɛstɪmˌoʊni/
fixed phrase
formal
testimony given under oath
Testimony that someone gives after they promise in law that they will tell the truth.
Examples
- The judge reminded the witness that lying in sworn testimony is a crime.
- Sworn testimony from three doctors supported her claim.