affidavit
af-ih-DAY-vit
/ˌæfɪˈdeɪvɪt/
A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.
Must be sworn before a person authorized to administer oaths, such as a notary public or magistrate.
The story behind the word. Direct Latin verb form affidavit, meaning 'he has pledged faith' or 'he has declared on oath.' Derived from Medieval Latin affidare ('to pledge faith'), combining ad- ('to') and fides ('faith'). In medieval legal records, documents opened with 'Affidavit N.' ('N. has sworn').
Word relationships
- sworn statement: Plain English synonym describing a formal statement made under oath.
- deposition: Oral testimony given out of court under oath, transcribed into written form.
- unsworn assertion: A claim made without taking a formal legal oath.
Commonly confused with
- deposition: An affidavit is a written sworn statement; a deposition involves oral questioning under oath recorded by a court reporter.
Word family
- affidavits (noun): Plural form of affidavit.
Collocations
- sworn affidavit
- submit an affidavit
- sign an affidavit
- affidavit of service
Example sentences
- "The witness signed a sworn affidavit attesting that she had seen the contract being signed." Court witness evidence submission
- "Attorneys submitted an affidavit from a forensic accountant detailing missing corporate funds." Pre-trial motion filing
Memory hook
AFFIDAVIT contains FID (faith)—you pledge FAITH and truth under oath. Sworn written legal statement.
When not to use
Do not use for an unsworn personal letter, informal note, or standard unsigned document.
Fun facts
- Because an affidavit is sworn under penalty of perjury, lying in an affidavit carries the exact same criminal penalties as lying on the witness stand.
Related words
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