TESTIMONIAL

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does testimonial mean? 

• TESTIMONIAL (noun)
  The noun TESTIMONIAL has 3 senses:

1. something that serves as evidence

2. something given or done as an expression of esteem

3. something that recommends (or expresses commendation of) a person or thing as worthy or desirable

  Familiarity information: TESTIMONIAL used as a noun is uncommon.

• TESTIMONIAL (adjective)
  The adjective TESTIMONIAL has 2 senses:

1. expressing admiration or appreciation

2. of or relating to or constituting testimony

  Familiarity information: TESTIMONIAL used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• TESTIMONIAL (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Something that serves as evidence

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

testimonial; testimony

Context example:

his effort was testimony to his devotion

Hypernyms ("testimonial" is a kind of...):

evidence (an indication that makes something evident)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "testimonial"):

good authority (testimony by someone who should know)

testament (strong evidence for something)

Derivation:

testimonial (of or relating to or constituting testimony)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Something given or done as an expression of esteem

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

testimonial; tribute

Hypernyms ("testimonial" is a kind of...):

approval; commendation (a message expressing a favorable opinion)

Derivation:

testimonial (expressing admiration or appreciation)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Something that recommends (or expresses commendation of) a person or thing as worthy or desirable

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

good word; recommendation; testimonial

Hypernyms ("testimonial" is a kind of...):

congratulations; extolment; kudos; praise (an expression of approval and commendation)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "testimonial"):

character; character reference; reference (a formal recommendation by a former employer to a potential future employer describing the person's qualifications and dependability)

puff (exaggerated praise (as for promotional purposes))

Derivation:

testimonial (expressing admiration or appreciation)

• TESTIMONIAL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Expressing admiration or appreciation

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

testimonial dinner

Pertainym:

testimonial (something given or done as an expression of esteem)

Derivation:

testimonial (something that recommends (or expresses commendation of) a person or thing as worthy or desirable)

testimonial (something given or done as an expression of esteem)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Of or relating to or constituting testimony

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Pertainym:

testimony (a solemn statement made under oath)

Derivation:

testimonial; testimony (something that serves as evidence)

testimony (an assertion offering firsthand authentication of a fact)

testimony (a solemn statement made under oath)

 Context examples 

I sent in my testimonial and application, but without the least hope of getting it.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I have seen his testimonials, and from the first he was a decent, quiet, hard-working fellow, with no weak spot in him at all.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

This testimonial I accordingly received in about a month, forwarded a copy of it to Mrs. Fairfax, and got that lady's reply, stating that she was satisfied, and fixing that day fortnight as the period for my assuming the post of governess in her house.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I had been with them five years, and old Coxon gave me a ripping good testimonial when the smash came, but of course we clerks were all turned adrift, the twenty-seven of us.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

This note went the round of the committee, and at last, after what appeared to me most tedious delay, formal leave was given me to better my condition if I could; and an assurance added, that as I had always conducted myself well, both as teacher and pupil, at Lowood, a testimonial of character and capacity, signed by the inspectors of that institution, should forthwith be furnished me.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)