Witness

Definition

Witness refers to a person who sees or experiences an event, typically a crime or accident, and can provide evidence or testimony. It can also refer to observing or being present at an event.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (transitive/intransitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɪt.nəs/
• Respelling: WIT-ness

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɪt.nəs/
• Respelling: WIT-ness

Etymology

The word "witness" originates from Old English "witness," derived from "wit," meaning "knowledge" or "understanding," and "-ness," a suffix indicating a state or condition. It is rooted in Proto-Germanic "*witjan," meaning "to observe" or "to know."

Derivatives

• Witnessing (noun/verb)
• Eyewitness (noun)
• Witnessed (verb, past tense)
• Witnesser (noun)
• Unwitnessed (adjective)

Synonyms

• Observer
• Testifier
• Onlooker

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "witness" is commonly used to refer to someone providing evidence in a legal context, as in "The witness testified in court." As a verb, it describes observing or experiencing something, such as "He witnessed the signing of the treaty."

Related Terms

• Evidence: Information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true.
• Testimony: A formal statement made under oath.
• Attest: To confirm or certify as true.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A person who sees or experiences an event: Refers to an individual providing a firsthand account of an occurrence.
  • Example: "The witness described the events leading up to the accident."
• Someone who provides testimony in a legal context: Refers to a person offering evidence or facts in court.
  • Example: "The defense called a witness to the stand."

Verb

• To see or observe an event: Refers to being present for or experiencing an occurrence.
  • Example: "She witnessed the sunrise over the mountains."
• To provide evidence or testify: Refers to formally stating or confirming observations.
  • Example: "He witnessed in court about what he saw."