Testimonial vs. Testimony — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023
"Testimonial" refers to a formal statement testifying to someone's character and qualifications, often for promotional purposes, while "Testimony" is a formal written or spoken statement given in a court of law or as evidence.
Difference Between Testimonial and Testimony
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Key Differences
"Testimonial" and "Testimony" are both forms of statements. However, "Testimonial" is typically used to praise or recommend, often in advertising or endorsements. In contrast, "Testimony" is generally a statement made under oath, notably in legal contexts.
A company might ask a satisfied customer for a "Testimonial" to use in their marketing materials. Conversely, in a court of law, a witness provides "Testimony" about what they observed or know.
In everyday scenarios, one might come across "Testimonials" on product websites, where customers leave positive feedback. In the realm of legal dramas or news, we regularly hear about the "Testimony" of witnesses or experts.
"Testimonial" can sometimes be tangible, like a plaque given for years of service. "Testimony," on the other hand, often refers to oral or written statements, primarily used to establish facts in legal proceedings.
While "Testimonials" aim to promote or validate, highlighting benefits or effectiveness, "Testimonies" seek to present an account, which can be either in favor of or against a subject of interest.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Statement of endorsement or praise
Formal statement, often in a court
Usage
Often found in marketing or endorsements
Common in legal contexts
Intention
To promote or validate
To establish a fact or account
Form
Can be written, spoken, or even a tangible item
Typically written or spoken
Examples
Customer reviews, service plaques
Witness accounts in court
Compare with Definitions
Testimonial
A statement endorsing someone's character or quality.
The athlete gave a Testimonial for the brand's shoes.
Testimony
An assertion offering firsthand authentication of a fact.
Her diary served as Testimony to her experiences during the war.
Testimonial
A public recommendation of a product.
The website displayed several Testimonials from satisfied customers.
Testimony
A public recounting of a religious conversion or experience.
He shared his Testimony about finding faith during tough times.
Testimonial
A demonstration or evidence of a product's effectiveness.
She provided a Testimonial on how the software improved her productivity.
Testimony
Evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something.
The recovered artifacts stood as Testimony to the ancient civilization's brilliance.
Testimonial
In promotion and advertising, a testimonial or show consists of a person's written or spoken statement extolling the virtue of a product. The term "testimonial" most commonly applies to the sales-pitches attributed to ordinary citizens, whereas the word "endorsement" usually applies to pitches by celebrities.
Testimony
A personal story or experience shared publicly.
Survivors gave their Testimonies about the disaster, hoping to raise awareness.
Testimonial
A formal statement testifying to someone's character and qualifications.
Testimony
In law and in religion, testimony is a solemn attestation as to the truth of a matter.
Testimonial
(in sport) a game or event held in honour of a player, who typically receives part of the income generated
A testimonial match
Testimony
A formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law
The testimony of an eyewitness
Testimonial
A statement in support of a particular truth, fact, or claim.
Testimony
A declaration by a witness under oath, as that given before a court or deliberative body.
Testimonial
A written affirmation of another's character or worth; a personal recommendation.
Testimony
All such declarations, spoken or written, offered in a legal case or deliberative hearing.
Testimonial
Something given in appreciation of a person's service or achievement; a tribute.
Testimony
Evidence in support of a fact or assertion; proof.
Testimonial
Relating to or constituting a testimony or testimonial
Testimonial statements.
A testimonial dinner.
Testimony
A public declaration regarding a religious experience.
Testimonial
A statement, especially one given under oath; testimony
Testimony
In the Bible, the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments.
Testimonial
A written recommendation of someone's worth or character
Testimony
The ark containing these tablets.
Testimonial
A tribute given in appreciation of someone's service etc.
Testimony
(legal) Statements made by a witness in court.
Testimonial
(football) A match played in tribute to a particular player (who sometimes receives a proportion of the gate money).
Testimony
An account of first-hand experience.
Testimonial
Serving as testimony.
A testimonial statement
Testimony
(religion) In a church service (or religious service), a personal account, such as one's conversion, testimony of faith, or life testimony.
Testimonial
A writing or certificate which bears testimony in favor of one's character, good conduct, ability, etc., or of the value of a thing.
Testimony
Witness; evidence; proof of some fact.
Testimonial
Something, as money or plate, presented to a preson as a token of respect, or of obligation for services rendered.
Testimony
A solemn declaration or affirmation made for the purpose of establishing or proving some fact.
Testimonial
Relating to, or containing, testimony.
Testimony
Affirmation; declaration; as, these doctrines are supported by the uniform testimony of the fathers; the belief of past facts must depend on the evidence of human testimony, or the testimony of historians.
Testimonial
Something that serves as evidence;
His effort was testimony to his devotion
Testimony
Open attestation; profession.
[Thou] for the testimony of truth, hast borneUniversal reproach.
Testimonial
Something given or done as an expression of esteem
Testimony
Witness; evidence; proof of some fact.
When ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them.
Testimonial
Something that recommends (or expresses commendation) of a person or thing as worthy or desirable
Testimony
The two tables of the law.
Thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.
Testimonial
Expressing admiration or appreciation;
Testimonial dinner
Testimony
Hence, the whole divine revelation; the sacre Scriptures.
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
Testimonial
Of or relating to or constituting testimony
Testimony
To witness; to attest; to prove by testimony.
Testimonial
A tribute given for services or achievements.
He received a Testimonial for his 20 years of dedicated work.
Testimony
A solemn statement made under oath
Testimonial
A formal acknowledgment of someone's work.
The seminar began with Testimonials about the keynote speaker's achievements.
Testimony
An assertion offering firsthand authentication of a fact;
According to his own testimony he can't do it
Testimony
Something that serves as evidence;
His effort was testimony to his devotion
Testimony
A formal statement made under oath.
The defendant's Testimony was crucial for the trial.
Common Curiosities
Can "Testimony" be given outside of court?
Yes, "Testimony" can refer to any formal statement or account, though it's commonly associated with legal contexts.
Can businesses use "Testimonials" for advertising?
Yes, many businesses use "Testimonials" from satisfied customers in their advertising.
Is a "Testimonial" always positive?
Typically, "Testimonials" are positive endorsements or recommendations.
Can a "Testimonial" be a physical item?
Yes, sometimes a "Testimonial" can be a tangible item like a plaque or certificate.
Is "Testimony" always truth?
"Testimony" is expected to be truthful, especially in legal contexts, but it's subject to verification.
Can a "Testimonial" be written by a friend?
Yes, a "Testimonial" can be written by anyone familiar with the subject's qualities or services.
What's the purpose of "Testimony" in a trial?
The purpose of "Testimony" is to present facts or firsthand accounts relevant to a case.
Who usually gives "Testimony" in court?
Witnesses or experts typically provide "Testimony" in court.
Do all products have "Testimonials"?
Not all products have "Testimonials," but many companies seek them for marketing purposes.
Can "Testimonials" influence consumers?
Yes, positive "Testimonials" can influence potential customers' decisions.
Is "Testimony" always oral?
No, "Testimony" can be both oral and written.
How is "Testimony" verified in court?
"Testimony" is evaluated based on evidence, cross-examination, and the credibility of the witness.
Can "Testimony" be given in religious contexts?
Yes, people often share their religious experiences or conversions as "Testimonies."
Are "Testimonials" more casual than "Testimonies"?
Generally, "Testimonials" can be more informal, while "Testimonies" have a more formal tone, especially in legal contexts.
Is it common for professionals to have written "Testimonials"?
Yes, many professionals showcase written "Testimonials" to validate their expertise or services.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
