What is witness? Pronunciation and usage in English

witness means . Learn how to pronounce and use witness through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of witness

witnessnoun

/ˈwɪtnɪs/
Definition & pronunciation of witness

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "witness." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "Wit" – This part is fairly straightforward. It sounds like "wit" as in "wit" (a clever person). The "w" is pronounced like a "w" – a quick "wh" sound.
  • "ness" – This is where things get a little nuanced. This part sounds like "ness" as in "tennis" or "guess."

2. Combining the Parts:

Put them together, and you get "wit-ness".

3. Emphasis & Breakdown:

  • Stressed Syllable: The first syllable, "wit," is the stressed syllable. This means it's louder and held slightly longer.
  • Linking: There’s a slight linking sound between "wit" and "ness." It’s almost like a very quick "wit-ness" – the "t" of "wit" blends slightly with the "s" of "ness."

4. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) can be helpful: /ˈwɪt.nəs/

  • ˈ - This symbol indicates primary stress.
  • wɪt - This represents the “wit” syllable.
  • nəs - This represents the “ness” syllable.
  • s - A standard ‘s’ sound.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: This is crucial. The best way to get the rhythm and intonation right is to hear how native speakers say it. Here are some resources:

    • Google Translate: Type "witness" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/witness/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce witness" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the sound.

  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare your pronunciation to a native speaker's recording.

  • Practice Slowly: Don't rush. Focus on getting each syllable correct before speeding up.

  • Focus on the “ness” sound: This is the most challenging part for many learners. Practicing words that contain the "ness" sound (like "tennis," "process," "expense") can help you get it right.

Would you like me to:

  • Provide more examples of words with the same "ness" sound?
  • Generate a short recording of how "witness" is pronounced?

Usage and examples with the word witness in English

Let's break down how to use the word "witness" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized by usage:

1. Witness (as in, someone who saw something happen):

  • Definition: A person who sees an event occur and can give an account of it.
  • Example: "She was a witness to the car accident." (She saw it happen.)
  • Grammar: Often used with the preposition "to" – “witness to something.”
  • Related Words: eyewitness, spectator

2. Witness (as in, to testify in court):

  • Definition: To give sworn evidence in a court of law. This is the most common understanding of the word in a legal context.
  • Example: “The defendant called several witnesses to the stand.” (People who will speak and explain what they saw or know.)
  • Phrases:
    • "Take the witness stand" – The place where a witness will give evidence.
    • "Call a witness" - To summon someone to testify.
    • "Subpoena a witness" – To legally compel someone to appear in court.
  • Synonyms: testify, declare, attest

3. Witness (as in, to be a sign or indication of something):

  • Definition: Something that serves as evidence of a fact or state of affairs, often something subtle or indirect. This usage is less common than the others.
  • Example: “The dark clouds were a witness to the approaching storm.” (The clouds showed that a storm was coming.)
  • Example: "His silence was a witness to his guilt." (His silence suggested he was guilty.)
  • Figurative Use: "Time is a witness to our friendship."

4. Witness (a passive voice verb - 'to be a witness'):

  • Definition: To experience something; to be present at an event.
  • Example: “I witnessed a beautiful sunset last night.” (I experienced it; I saw it.)
  • Note: This usage is less common than simply "watched," but is perfectly acceptable.

Key Points and Tips:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "witness" depends entirely on the context in which it's used.
  • Formal vs. Informal: The "testify" meaning is very formal and usually appears in legal settings. The “someone who saw” meaning is more common in everyday conversation.
  • Pronunciation: /ˈwɪtnəs/ (The ‘w’ is pronounced like ‘wh’)

Let's test your understanding! Here are some sentences. Tell me which meaning of "witness" is being used:

  1. "The security camera recorded the entire robbery, providing crucial witness footage."
  2. "He witnessed the birth of his daughter."
  3. "The old oak tree was a silent witness to centuries of history."
  4. “The judge asked the witness to swear to tell the truth, so help me God.”

Would you like me to:

  • Provide more examples?
  • Explain a specific usage in more detail?
  • Give you a quiz to test your knowledge?

Synonyms for the word witness

Idioms of the word witness

bear/give witness (to something)
to provide evidence of the truth of something
  • The crowd of mourners at his funeral bore witness to the great affection in which he was held.
  • The ancient temples bear silent witness to the passing dynasties.
be (a) witness to something
(formal)to see something take place
  • He has been witness to a terrible murder.
  • a witness to murder
to show that something is true; to provide evidence for something
  • His good health is a witness to the success of the treatment.

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