testator
A person who has made a will, especially one who has died leaving a valid will.
Specifically refers to the creator of the will. Historically, 'testatrix' was used for a female creator, though modern legal writing increasingly uses 'testator' as a gender-neutral term.
Word relationships
- will-maker: A plain-English, non-technical term that lacks the formal legal authority of 'testator'.
- decedent: Refers generally to any deceased person, whereas a testator is specifically a deceased person who left a valid will.
- intestate: Refers to a person who dies without having made a valid will.
Commonly confused with
- testifier: A testifier is someone who gives evidence or testimony in court, whereas a testator is specifically someone who has executed a will.
Word family
- testatrix (noun): A female testator (archaic/traditional legal usage).
- testamentary (adjective): Relating to a will or a testator's intentions.
Collocations
- intent of the testator
- sound mind of the testator
- testator's signature
Example sentences
- "The court must always look first to the clear and unambiguous intention of the testator as expressed within the four corners of the document." From a classic legal treatise on estate administration.
- "Because the testator was of sound mind when he signed the document, the challenges brought by his estranged cousins were quickly dismissed." An analysis of a famous historical dispute.
Memory hook
Think of a 'testator' as someone who is taking a final 'test' of their life by writing down their final wishes, or 'testifying' to their family how they want their property divided. The testator writes the testament.
When not to use
Do not use this to describe someone who simply writes a letter of wishes or a casual note; it must refer to the creator of a formal, legally binding will.
Fun facts
- In ancient Rome, dying without a will (and thus not being a testator) was considered a great social disgrace, as it meant you failed to plan for your family's future.
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.