bear witness

[ bair wit-nis ]

idiom

1. to serve as evidence that something is true or real:

   Not everyone’s sobriety can bear witness to the effectiveness of rehab, but in her case it most certainly can.

2. to proclaim or demonstrate a devout belief in:

   Who will join me in bearing witness to our Lord?

3. to testify; give or afford evidence, as in a court of law:

   When the case went to trial, he reluctantly agreed to bear witness against his neighbor.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bear witness¹

First recorded in 1300–50

Example Sentences

Studying their resolve can show us what it looks like to have hope in the face of setbacks and to relentlessly bear witness to the plight of the most vulnerable among us.

From Salon

With a freshly unveiled statue of Old Tom Morris looking down on golf’s most famous green, the game’s ancient and spiritual home might just have borne witness to significant developments in a troubled sport.

From BBC

"Tonight, we all bear witness to Missouri’s grotesque exercise of state power. Let it not be in vain. This should never happen, and we must not let it continue," she added.

From Salon

Youth, fearlessness and raw determination prevailed as Dubois destroyed the elder statesman, Anthony Joshua, in five rounds with 96,000 fans bearing witness to the passing of a torch.

From BBC

Shot from the point of view of its characters, two Black boys navigating the horrors of a Florida reform school, “Nickel Boys” invites moviegoers to immerse themselves and bear witness.

From Los Angeles Times