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affidavit

Noun

IPA /ˌæfəˈdeɪvɪt/

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Meaning in plain English

A written statement that someone formally swears is true and that may be used in court.

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Pronunciation

affidavit/ˌæfəˈdeɪvɪt/

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A witness writes a statement
The witness swears it is true
The statement becomes sworn evidence

An affidavit is a written statement whose truth the writer has formally sworn to.

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In the drama, a witness signs an affidavit describing what she saw.
The law students compared the affidavit with the witness's earlier account.

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In the drama, a witness signs an ________ describing what she saw.

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affidavit — A written statement that someone formally swears is true and that may be used in court.

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A written statement that someone formally swears is true and that may be used in court.

Compare: In the drama, a witness signs an affidavit describing what she saw.

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Word origin

From medieval Latin affidavit, meaning that a person has stated something under oath.

Did you know?

Sign an affidavit and swear an affidavit are common combinations.

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