Definition

A written statement that someone swears is true, usually made in front of a legal official.

Example

He submitted an affidavit to support his claim in court.

Conversation

Have you ever had to sign an affidavit for anything?

Yeah, I had to do that when I was applying for a loan.

That's interesting! What did you have to swear to in the affidavit?

Just that all my financial information was true and accurate.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Affidavit is formed from "affidare" (meaning to pledge or declare) and the suffix "-vit" (from the Latin root "vita", meaning life). The word refers to a written declaration made under oath, essentially pledging the truth of the statement made.

Memory Tip

Think of making a 'pledge' ('affidare') to tell the 'truth' in a written statement — that's what an affidavit is.

Visually Confused Words