Testament
/ˈtɛstəmənt/
Definitions
3 meaningsA legal document declaring a person's wishes for the distribution of their assets after their death.
/ˈtɛstəmənt/
A formal declaration of a person's wishes regarding the disposal of their property after death.
The family gathered to hear the reading of the will and testament.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're leaving a treasure hunt for your loved ones after you're not around anymore. Your testament is the map that tells them where the treasure (your stuff) is and who gets what. It's like a final instruction book!
👶 For kids: It's like a special letter you write before you go on a long trip, telling people what you want them to do with your toys and things.
More Examples
She revised her testament to include her new grandchildren.
How It's Used
"The lawyer read the last will and testament of the deceased."
Evidence or proof of something; an outward sign.
/ˈtɛstəmənt/
A statement of belief or principle; a demonstration of something.
The museum's collection is a testament to the artist's talent.
💡 Simply: When you get an A on a test, it's a testament to how hard you studied, right? It's showing off how much you learned. Think of a testament as something that shows how good, strong, or important something else is.
👶 For kids: It's like a special award or sticker that shows everyone how good you are at something!
More Examples
Her long service to the community is a testament to her dedication.
The pyramids are a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians.
How It's Used
"The book is a testament to the power of human resilience."
"His success is a testament to his hard work and dedication."
Either of the two main parts of the Christian Bible: the Old Testament and the New Testament.
/ˈtɛstəmənt/
Either of the two main divisions of the Christian Bible.
The New Testament details the life of Jesus.
💡 Simply: Imagine the Bible is like a long storybook. There are two big parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament. They tell different stories, but both talk about God and people.
👶 For kids: In the Bible, there are two parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. It’s like two different books in one big book!
More Examples
Scholars study the Old Testament to understand ancient Jewish history.
How It's Used
"The Old Testament contains the Hebrew scriptures."
Synonyms
Devise
Legacy
Confirmation
Demonstration
Evidence
Proof
Symbol
Scriptures
Idioms & expressions
bear testament to
To provide evidence or proof of something.
"The ruins of the ancient city bear testament to its former glory."
From Latin *testamentum*, meaning 'will, declaration, proof,' derived from *testari* 'to witness.' Its roots reflect the idea of a solemn declaration or proof of something.
The word 'testament' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to the divine covenants or declarations and later evolving to encompass legal documents and expressions of belief.
Memory tip
Think of a 'test' – a final statement of what you want to happen after you're gone.