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Meaning & use

testament

noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˈtestəmənt/
US/ˈtestəmənt/

Meanings

  1. nounsingular

    Something that shows clearly that a quality or fact is real, acting as strong proof of it.

    Grammar: Usually singular and followed by to: a testament to her courage.

    Patterns

    • a testament to something

    The packed concert hall was a testament to the band's popularity.

    Her recovery is a testament to the skill of the doctors.

    The old bridge still stands as a testament to the builders' craft.

  2. nouncountablelawformal

    A legal document stating who should receive a person's property after death, as in 'last will and testament'.

    Grammar: A countable noun, mostly in the fixed phrase last will and testament.

    Patterns

    • last will and testament

    He wrote his last will and testament at the age of ninety.

    The lawyer read the testament aloud to the family.

  3. nouncountablereligion

    Either of the two main parts of the Christian Bible, the Old Testament or the New Testament.

    Grammar: Usually capitalized when part of a name: the New Testament.

    Patterns

    • the Old Testament
    • the New Testament

    She read a chapter from the New Testament each morning.

    The Old Testament contains many historical stories.

Word forms

pluraltestaments

Common combinations

a testament to
The garden is a testament to years of patient work.
stand as a testament
The ruins stand as a testament to a lost civilization.
living testament
He is a living testament to what hard work can achieve.
last will and testament
She signed her last will and testament in the lawyer's office.
lasting testament
The charity is a lasting testament to her generosity.

Synonyms and how they differ

proof
Proof suggests definite evidence in an argument, while testament is more emotional and often about admirable qualities.
evidence
Evidence is neutral and can support or deny a claim, but testament always supports it.
tribute
Tribute expresses respect or praise, whereas testament simply demonstrates that something is true.
witness
Witness in this sense is more literary, and testament sounds a little more formal and common in writing.

Word family

testify verb
to give evidence, especially in court
testimony noun
a statement given as evidence
testimonial noun
a statement praising someone's quality
testamentary adjective
relating to a will
testator noun
a person who has made a will

Commonly confused: testament or testimony?

testament vs testimony

Testimony is a statement made as evidence, usually in court, while testament is something that serves as proof by existing.

Practice

The thriving school is a ____ to the dedication of its teachers.

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