affidavit

UK: ˌæfɪˈdeɪvɪt | US: ˌæfɪˈdeɪvɪt

Definition

  1. n. a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court.

Structure
af <to>fid <trust>avit <he/she has declared>af <to>fid <trust>avit <has declared>
Etymology

affidavit = af<to> + fid<trust> + avit<he/she has declared>

  • af<to>: From Latin ad- (to, toward), assimilated to af- before f.
  • fid<trust>: From Latin fidere (to trust), root of fides (faith).
  • avit<has declared>: From Latin -avit (perfect tense suffix), indicating a completed action.

Etymology Origin:
Derived from Medieval Latin affidavit ("he/she has declared under oath"), the third-person perfect of affidare (to pledge). The term entered English legal language in the 16th century, reflecting its roots in Roman law’s emphasis on sworn testimony (fides = trust). The morphemes logically combine to mean "a declaration made binding by trust."

Examples

  1. The witness submitted an affidavit detailing the events.

  2. Without a signed affidavit, the claim cannot proceed.

  3. The lawyer notarized the affidavit to ensure its validity.

  4. Judges often rely on affidavits for preliminary evidence.

  5. Falsifying an affidavit is a criminal offense.