af ‧ fi ‧ da ‧ vit /ˌæfəˈdeɪvət, ˌæfɪˈdeɪvət/ BrE AmE noun [countable] law
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: Medieval Latin ; Origin: 'he or she has made a formal promise' , from affidare , from Latin ad- 'to' + Vulgar Latin fidare 'to trust' ]
a written statement that you swear is true, for use as proof in a court of law
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THESAURUS
▪ statement something that someone says or writes publicly in order to tell people what they intend to do, what their opinion is etc:
The President will make a statement to the press this afternoon.
▪ announcement a public or official statement telling people what has happened or what will happen:
The announcement was heard by millions of radio listeners this morning.
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The company made an announcement yesterday that Rogers has resigned as managing director.
▪ declaration an important official statement, especially about what a government or organization intends to do:
On the 19th of July a declaration of war was delivered in Berlin.
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Independence Hall is where the delegates met to sign the Declaration of Independence and write the Constitution.
▪ press release an official statement giving information to the newspapers, radio, or television:
The singer issued a press release saying that she was too ill to continue with the tour.
▪ testimony a formal statement saying that something is true, especially one a witness makes in a court of law:
The testimony of the two arresting officers was an important part of the prosecution case.
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The jury based their decision almost entirely on the testimony of one witness.
▪ affidavit law a written statement that you swear is true, for use as proof in a court of law:
A prison doctor who treated the accused sent an affidavit about his mental state.