Meaning & use
testate
Last updated
UK/ˈtesteɪt/
US/ˈtesteɪt/
Meaning
adjectiveafter a verblegal
Having left a valid will when you die.
Grammar: Usually after be or die: she died testate.
Patterns
- die testate
Because he died testate, his wishes were followed.
The court confirmed that she was testate.
A testate estate is usually easier to settle.
Common combinations
- die testate
- He died testate, leaving everything to his niece.
- testate estate
- The testate estate was settled quickly.
- testate succession
- Testate succession follows the will.
- testate or intestate
- Whether testate or intestate, the estate goes through probate.
Synonyms and how they differ
- having a will
- Having a will is the everyday phrase, while testate is a precise legal term.
Opposites
intestate
Word family
- intestate adjective
- having made no will
- testator noun
- a person who makes a will
- testament noun
- a will, or proof of something
- testamentary adjective
- relating to a will
Commonly confused: testate or intestate? testate or testy?
testate vs intestate
Intestate means no valid will was left, the exact opposite of testate.
testate vs testy
Testy means irritable and has no relation to wills.
Practice
A person who dies testate has ____.
Choose one answer.
Testate means having left a valid will. Dying without one is intestate.
Make it your own
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