VocabDictionary

depositions

/ˌdɛp.əˈzɪʃ.ənz/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The formal, out-of-court testimony of a witness, which is reduced to writing for later use in court or for discovery purposes.

Example Sentences:
  • The lawyers spent three days taking depositions from the key witnesses in the fraud case.
  • Her deposition revealed inconsistencies that ultimately undermined the defense's argument.
2.noun

The action of deposing someone, especially a monarch or other powerful figure, from a position of authority.

Example Sentences:
  • The sudden deposition of the king led to a period of intense political instability.
  • Historians often debate the long-term consequences of the dictator's deposition.
3.noun

The process of laying down or accumulating a layer of material, such as sediment or mineral deposits.

Example Sentences:
  • The river delta was formed by the continuous deposition of silt over thousands of years.
  • Chemical vapor deposition is a common technique used in the manufacturing of semiconductors.
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English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “depositions”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'depositio', from 'deponere' (to lay down or put aside). In a legal context, it evolved from the sense of 'laying down' testimony or evidence formally before a court or officer.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'de-positioning' someone: you are taking them out of their normal position to sit them down and force them to tell the truth under oath.

Frequently Asked Questions About “depositions

1. What is the meaning of “depositions” in English?

In English, depositions (noun) is defined as: “The formal, out-of-court testimony of a witness, which is reduced to writing for later use in court or for discovery purposes.”.

2. How do you use “depositions” in a sentence?

The lawyers spent three days taking depositions from the key witnesses in the fraud case.

3. What are English synonyms of “depositions”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “depositions”?

Derived from the Latin 'depositio', from 'deponere' (to lay down or put aside). In a legal context, it evolved from the sense of 'laying down' testimony or evidence formally before a court or officer.