testament

Either of the two main parts of the Christian Bible, called the Old and the New.

• She reads the New Testament.
• This story appears in the Old Testament.
• We studied both Testaments at school.

Common phrases: Old Testament, New Testament, Testament readings

Something that clearly shows a person’s quality, achievement, or the truth of something.

• Her success is a testament to hard work.
• The bridge stands as a testament to their engineering skills.
• These letters are a lasting testament to their friendship.

How to use it: a testament to something (The restored building is a testament to their skill.)

Similar words: proof, evidence, tribute

Common phrases: testament to something, a lasting testament, stand as testament

A legal document saying who should receive your money and possessions after you die.

• He signed his testament before witnesses.
• Her last will and testament named her daughter as heir.
• The lawyer kept a copy of the testament.

Similar words: will

Common phrases: last will and testament, sign a testament, someone’s final testament

A serious statement of what someone strongly believes or is committed to.

• The essay is her political testament.
• He wrote a testament of his deepest beliefs.
• Her final speech offered a testament of faith in democracy.

How to use it: a testament of something (The poem is a personal testament of faith.)

Similar words: credo, declaration, profession of faith

Common phrases: a personal testament, political testament, testament of faith

To write a legal document deciding who will receive your possessions after you die.

• He testamented before his death.
• She chose to testament while still healthy.
• The dying landowner asked a lawyer to help him testament.

Similar words: make a will

Common phrases: testament before death, testament in writing

To arrange for someone to receive your money or possessions after your death through a legal document.

• He testamented his land to his son.
• She chose to testament her savings to a charity.
• The owner had testamented the estate to her niece.

How to use it: testament something to someone (She testamented her house to her nephew.)

Similar words: leave, bequeath

Common phrases: testament something to someone, testament one’s estate, testament the property