Testimonial vs. Testimony: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Testimonial is a statement endorsing a product or service. Testimony is evidence or declaration given in a legal context.
Key Differences
A testimonial is often used in a commercial or informal context, where individuals endorse a product, service, or person based on personal experience. Testimony, however, is primarily used in a legal or formal setting, where a person provides evidence or an account of facts, often under oath, in a court of law or similar judicial setting.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Testimonials are designed to build trust and credibility, commonly found in advertisements, reviews, or personal recommendations. They are subjective, based on personal opinions or experiences. Testimony, in contrast, is objective and factual, focused on providing evidence or information relevant to a legal case or investigation.
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Dec 04, 2023
Testimonials are usually less formal and can be written or spoken, often with the intent of persuading others. They are more narrative, personal, and anecdotal. Testimony, conversely, is formal and structured, usually delivered in a legal setting and often recorded as part of legal proceedings.
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Dec 04, 2023
While testimonials carry no legal weight and are used for persuasive purposes, testimony is legally binding. A person giving testimony is legally obligated to tell the truth and may face perjury charges if they lie.
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Dec 04, 2023
The impact of a testimonial lies in its ability to influence decisions or perceptions, typically in a commercial or personal context. Testimony, on the other hand, has a significant legal impact, potentially influencing the outcome of a trial or legal decision.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To endorse, recommend, or persuade
To provide evidence, facts, or account
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Testimonial and Testimony Definitions
Testimonial
An expression of satisfaction or endorsement.
This customer testimonial highlights the product's effectiveness.
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Nov 25, 2023
Testimony
A public recounting of a religious or spiritual experience.
She shared her testimony during the service.
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Nov 25, 2023
Testimonial
An acknowledgment of quality or service.
The company received a testimonial from a satisfied client.
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Nov 25, 2023
Testimony
A formal statement made under oath.
Her testimony was crucial in the court case.
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Nov 25, 2023
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Testimonial
A written or spoken statement extolling the virtue of something.
The actor's testimonial for the charity was heartfelt.
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Nov 25, 2023
Testimony
Evidence or declaration given in a judicial setting.
The witness's testimony shed new light on the investigation.
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Nov 25, 2023
Testimonial
A personal recommendation of a product or service.
Her testimonial praised the efficiency of the new software.
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Nov 25, 2023
Testimony
A declaration of truth or fact.
The expert's testimony was based on years of research.
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Nov 25, 2023
Testimony
A declaration by a witness under oath, as that given before a court or deliberative body.
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimonial
A written affirmation of another's character or worth; a personal recommendation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimony
All such declarations, spoken or written, offered in a legal case or deliberative hearing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimonial
Something given in appreciation of a person's service or achievement; a tribute.
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimonial
Relating to or constituting a testimony or testimonial
Testimonial statements.
A testimonial dinner.
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimony
In the Bible, the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments.
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimonial
(football) A match played in tribute to a particular player (who sometimes receives a proportion of the gate money).
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimony
(religion) In a church service (or religious service), a personal account, such as one's conversion, testimony of faith, or life testimony.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimonial
Something, as money or plate, presented to a preson as a token of respect, or of obligation for services rendered.
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimony
A solemn declaration or affirmation made for the purpose of establishing or proving some fact.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimonial
Something that serves as evidence;
His effort was testimony to his devotion
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimony
Open attestation; profession.
[Thou] for the testimony of truth, hast borneUniversal reproach.
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimony
Witness; evidence; proof of some fact.
When ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them.
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimonial
Something that recommends (or expresses commendation) of a person or thing as worthy or desirable
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimony
The two tables of the law.
Thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimony
Hence, the whole divine revelation; the sacre Scriptures.
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimonial
A tribute or statement of praise.
His testimonial at the retirement party was touching.
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Nov 25, 2023
Testimony
An assertion offering firsthand authentication of a fact;
According to his own testimony he can't do it
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimony
Something that serves as evidence;
His effort was testimony to his devotion
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Oct 19, 2023
Testimony
An account given by a witness.
His testimony helped clarify the sequence of events.
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Nov 25, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a testimonial be written?
Yes, testimonials can be both written and spoken.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is testimony always given in court?
Testimony is commonly given in court, but it can also occur in other formal settings like depositions or congressional hearings.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can businesses use testimonies for marketing?
Businesses usually use testimonials, not testimonies, for marketing purposes.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can a testimonial be used as legal evidence?
No, a testimonial is not typically considered legal evidence as it is subjective and often used in non-legal contexts.
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Dec 04, 2023
Does testimony need to be factual?
Yes, testimony should be factual and truthful, especially in legal contexts.
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Dec 04, 2023
What happens if someone lies in their testimony?
Lying in testimony, especially under oath, can lead to legal consequences like perjury charges.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is a testimony always verbal?
Testimony can be both verbal and written, but in legal settings, it is usually verbal.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can testimony be withdrawn?
Once given, testimony cannot typically be withdrawn, especially if it's part of a legal record.
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Dec 04, 2023
Are testimonials always positive?
Generally, testimonials are positive, as they are intended to endorse or recommend something.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can anyone provide a testimonial?
Yes, anyone who has experience with a product or service can provide a testimonial.
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Dec 04, 2023
Are testimonials used in court?
Testimonials are not usually used in court as they are not considered formal legal evidence.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is a witness's testimony always required in court?
Not always; it depends on the nature of the case and the evidence available.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is a testimonial considered a reliable source?
Testimonials are subjective and based on personal opinions, so their reliability can vary.
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Dec 04, 2023
How are testimonials collected?
Testimonials are often solicited by businesses or organizations from customers or clients.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is a lawyer needed to provide testimony?
A lawyer is not required to provide testimony, but legal counsel can be helpful in understanding the implications of giving testimony.
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Dec 04, 2023
Do testimonials have legal implications?
Testimonials themselves do not have legal implications but must be truthful to avoid false advertising claims.
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Dec 04, 2023
What makes a good testimonial?
A good testimonial is genuine, specific, and reflects the user's personal experience with the product or service.
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Dec 04, 2023
Who decides the relevance of testimony in a trial?
The judge or the jury decides the relevance and weight of testimony in a trial.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can testimony be given anonymously?
In certain circumstances, testimony can be given anonymously, but it depends on the legal context and jurisdiction.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can a testimonial be about a service instead of a product?
Yes, testimonials can be about both services and products.
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Dec 04, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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