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"Attest" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "atestiguar", and "testify" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "testificar". Learn more about the difference between "attest" and "testify" below.
attest(
uh
-
tehst
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to certify)
a. atestiguar
A notary must attest the document before you send it to the embassy.Un notario debe atestiguar el documento antes de enviarlo a la embajada.
c. certificar
I need someone in authority to attest my signature.Necesito que alguien con autoridad me certifique la firma.
d. autorizar
The notary's office provided an attested copy of the will.La notaría me entregó una copia autorizada del testamento.
e. autentificar
The official at the registry refused to attest the copies.El funcionario del registro se negó a autentificar las copias.
f. autenticar (formal)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
The embassy issued attested copies of our visas.La embajada emitió unas copias autenticadas de nuestros visados.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. dar fe de
His refusal to accept the money attests to his honesty.Su negativa a aceptar el dinero da fe de su honestidad.
b. atestiguar
These finds attest to the existence of a much earlier civilization.Estos hallazgos atestiguan la existencia de una civilización mucho más antigua.
c. avalar
These results attest to the quality of education at the school.Estos resultados avalan la calidad de la educación en la escuela.
d. dar testimonio de
His way of life attested to his Christian beliefs.Su modo de vida daba testimonio de sus creencias cristianas.
testify(
tehs
-
dih
-
fay
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (legal)
a. testificar
The defendant's wife testified that she had been with her husband the night of the robbery.La esposa del acusado testificó que había estado con su esposo la noche del robo.
b. declarar
The witness testified that he had seen O'Malley shoot Smith.El testigo declaró que había visto a O'Malley dispararle a Smith.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
2. (legal)
a. testificar
Would you be willing to testify in court?¿Estaría dispuesta a testificar ante un tribunal?
b. declarar
The psychiatrist testified to the compromised mental state of the defendant.La psiquiatra declaró sobre el estado mental comprometido del acusado.
c. prestar declaración
Under some shady circumstances, the witness suddenly decided not to testify.Bajo ciertas circunstancias turbias, el testigo repentinamente decidió no prestar declaración.
3. (to affirm)
a. atestiguar
I think you'll find that Susana's references can testify to her mettle.Creo que podrá ver que las referencias de Susana pueden atestiguar su capacidad.
