How to pronounce testify
Say it like TES-tuh-fy. Testify has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TES).
- TES
- tuh
- fy
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Testify pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- fyGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of testify
American and British speakers say testify in essentially the same way: /ˈtɛstəˌfaɪ/ in the US and /ˈtɛstɪˌfaɪ/ in the UK.
British respelling: TES-tih-fy.
What does testify mean?
- To make a declaration, or give evidence, under oath.
- To make a statement based on personal knowledge or faith.
- To be evidence of.
Where does testify come from?
From Middle English testifien, borrowed from Old French testifier, from Latin testificārī (“to bear witness”), from testis (“a witness”) + facere (“to make”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying testify
How do you pronounce testify?
Say TES-tuh-fy. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɛstəˌfaɪ/. In British English it is /ˈtɛstɪˌfaɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in testify?
Testify has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TES). Broken into parts: TES · tuh · fy.
Do Americans and Brits say testify the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈtɛstəˌfaɪ/ and the British form is /ˈtɛstɪˌfaɪ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.