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Meaning & use

a deposition

noun·Advanced

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UK/ə ˌdepəˈzɪʃən/
US/ə ˌdepəˈzɪʃən/

Meanings

  1. nouncountablelegal

    A formal statement made under oath and recorded before a trial, typically outside court.

    Grammar: Countable; often used with 'take' or 'give': take a deposition, give a deposition.

    Patterns

    • take a deposition
    • give a deposition
    • a deposition from someone

    The lawyer scheduled a deposition with the witness for next Tuesday.

    During the deposition, she answered questions about the contract for three hours.

    His deposition will be used as evidence if the case goes to trial.

  2. noununcountabletechnical

    The natural process by which layers of material are laid down over time.

    Grammar: Uncountable; used in scientific contexts, often with 'of' to show what is being deposited.

    Patterns

    • deposition of something
    • the deposition of sediment

    The deposition of sediment at the river mouth created a small delta.

    Geologists study the deposition of volcanic ash to date past eruptions.

Word forms

pluraldepositions

Common combinations

take a deposition
The attorney will take a deposition from the expert next week.
give a deposition
She had to give a deposition about the accident.
sworn deposition
The sworn deposition was entered into the court record.
deposition transcript
We ordered a copy of the deposition transcript.
deposition of sediment
The deposition of sediment formed a new layer of rock.

Synonyms and how they differ

testimony
Testimony is a broader term for any statement given as evidence, especially in court, while a deposition is specifically taken out of court before trial.
affidavit
An affidavit is a written statement sworn before a notary or official, whereas a deposition is spoken and recorded during questioning.

Word family

depose verb
To give evidence under oath, especially in a deposition.
deposit verb
To lay down material naturally, as in sediment.

Commonly confused: a deposition or deposition?

a deposition vs deposition

Not to be confused with 'deposit', which is a sum of money or a layer of material, not a legal statement.

Practice

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