testimony vs testament

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A comparison of two similar-sounding nouns: 'testimony' means a formal statement or clear proof, while 'testament' means a will or a holy book.

   Grammar: Use this phrase when explaining the difference between the two words; it is not a noun you can put in a sentence as a subject.

   Patterns

   • testimony vs testament
   • the difference between testimony and testament

   The teacher explained testimony vs testament using two simple examples.

   In legal writing, testimony vs testament is an important distinction to keep clear.

   Her essay on testimony vs testament earned a high mark.

2. 2nouncountable or uncountablelegal

   A formal spoken or written statement, especially one given in a court of law.

   Grammar: Countable when referring to one statement: 'a testimony'; uncountable when referring to the evidence as a whole: 'give testimony'.

   Patterns

   • give testimony
   • sworn testimony
   • testimony in court
   • the testimony of a witness

   The witness gave testimony that contradicted the earlier statement.

   Her testimony in court lasted more than two hours.

   The jury listened carefully to the testimony of both experts.

3. 3nouncountableformal

   A clear sign or proof that something is true or exists.

   Grammar: Often used in the pattern 'a testimony to something': 'a testimony to their hard work'.

   Patterns

   • a testimony to something
   • stand as a testimony to something

   The bridge stands as a testimony to the skill of the engineers.

   Her success is a testimony to years of patient practice.

   The crowded hall was a testimony to his popularity as a speaker.

4. 4nouncountablelegalformal

   A legal document in which a person states who should receive their property after they die; a will.

   Grammar: Often used in the fixed phrase 'last will and testament'.

   Patterns

   • last will and testament
   • make a testament

   He signed his last will and testament in front of two witnesses.

   The old man's testament left the farm to his youngest daughter.

5. 5nounproperreligion

   One of the two main parts of the Christian Bible, or a sacred text in another religion.

   Grammar: Capitalized when it refers to a specific part of the Bible: 'the New Testament'.

   Patterns

   • the Old Testament
   • the New Testament

   The reading was taken from the New Testament.

   She teaches a course on the Old Testament at the university.

Common combinations

give testimony

Several neighbors agreed to give testimony at the hearing.

a testimony to something

The new library is a testimony to the generosity of local donors.

last will and testament

The lawyer read the last will and testament to the family.

the New Testament

The New Testament contains the Gospels and the letters of Paul.

Synonyms and how they differ

evidence

Evidence is a broader word for anything that helps prove a fact, while testimony is specifically what a witness says.

proof

Proof is a fact or argument that shows something is true; testimony is one kind of proof, usually spoken in court.

will

Will is the everyday word for the legal document about property after death; testament is the formal or religious term.

Word family

testify verb

To make a formal statement, especially in court.

testimonial noun

A formal statement praising someone's character or work.

testamentary adjective

Relating to a will, as in 'testamentary freedom'.

Commonly confused: testimony vs testament or testimony? testimony vs testament or testament?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “testimony vs testament”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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