attest

To say that something is true or genuine, often because you have personal knowledge of it.

• I can attest that she was there.
• Several former clients attested to his honesty.
• Can anyone attest to the truth of this statement?

How to use it: attest to something (I can attest to the accuracy of her account.); attest that… (Two witnesses attest that he was at home that evening.)

Similar words: confirm, affirm, verify

Opposites: deny

Common phrases: attest to something, attest that something, attest the truth

To show that something is true by providing evidence of it.

• Her results attest to her skill.
• The old letters attested to their long friendship.
• These buildings attest the importance of trade in the region.

How to use it: attest to something (These ruins attest to the city's former wealth.); attest something (The surviving records attest the existence of an earlier settlement.)

Similar words: demonstrate, show, prove, evidence

Opposites: disprove

Common phrases: attest to something, attest someone's ability, attest the existence

To officially confirm something by signing a document or making a formal promise to tell the truth.

• The witness will attest the signature.
• Two neighbors attested the will.
• The official attests each copy before it is sent abroad.

How to use it: attest something (A qualified witness must attest the signature.)

Similar words: certify, witness

Common phrases: attest a document, attest a signature, attest a will