testimonial

adjective tehs-tee-moh-NYAHL Rare

Also means

token (figurative)

Usage Note

Testimonial in Spanish has developed a sense not found in English: beyond meaning 'serving as evidence or testimony', it frequently means 'token' or 'purely symbolic' — a gesto testimonial is a gesture made for appearances rather than real effect. This false-friend trap catches English speakers: in Spanish una condena testimonial is a nominal sentence, not a ringing endorsement. The plural is testimoniales.

Examples

"La presencia del ministro fue meramente testimonial."

Natural Translation

The minister's presence was merely token.

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