Affidavit
/ˌæfɪˈdeɪvɪt/
nounIntermediateCommonLegal
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.
/ˌæfɪˈdeɪvɪt/
nounneutralIntermediate
Legal
A written sworn statement
He submitted an affidavit detailing his version of events.
💡 Simply: A sworn statement used in court.
More Examples
2
The lawyer presented several affidavits to support her client's case.
How It's Used
Legal
"The court required an affidavit from the witness."
From Old French *affidavit, from affier 'to entrust', from ad- 'to' + fidare 'to trust'. It reflects the sworn nature of the statement.
Affidavits have been used as forms of legal evidence for centuries, their use evolving with changes in legal systems.
Memory tip
Think 'affirmed' + 'oath' + 'evidence' - it's a statement affirmed under oath as evidence.
Practice
affidavidaffidevitaffidaveet
Usage
5%Spoken
95%Written