Dictionary formtestis, testis(masculine or feminine)
Translation
witness
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Grammar
Cases
| Case | singular | plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativethe subject | testis | testes |
| Vocativecalling someone: O ... | testis | testes |
| Accusativethe direct object; after ad, in (into), per | testem | testes |
| Genitiveof | testis | testium |
| Dativeto, for | testi | testibus |
| Ablativeby, with, from; after a, ab, cum, de, e, ex, in (in), sine | teste | testibus |
Examples
.
The witness told the truth.
.
He brought forward two witnesses.
, .
When the witnesses had been heard, the judge gave his verdict.
.
I call God as my witness.
.
The words of the witnesses were written in a book.
Testis, testis is third declension, i-stem, genitive plural testium, and it is common gender: the same form does for a male and a female witness, so only the agreeing adjective or participle tells you which. The likeliest etymology is tri-sto, "the third party standing by", the outsider to a dispute between two.
The trap is anatomical. The other testis, "testicle", is the same word, and the schoolroom story about Romans swearing oaths on them is folk etymology; the sober explanation is that it "bears witness" to manhood. Either way, a plural testes needs a moment's thought before you commit to a translation. The legal vocabulary around it is worth having: testor, "to bear witness, to make a will", testamentum, testimonium, contestor. English testify, testimony, testament, attest, protest, contest and detest all sit on this one noun.
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testis: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Latin word "testis" (witness): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is taught in chapter 3, lesson 3: testis, sacer, pes and 7 more words.