The phrase "duly sworn" is often used in legal contexts to refer to someone who has taken an oath or made a pledge in a formal and recognized manner. The pronunciation of this phrase can be broken down and explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "duly" is pronounced /ˈdjuːli/, with the "d" sound followed by the long "u" sound and a slight "l" at the end. "Sworn" is pronounced /swɔːrn/, with the "s" sound followed by a long "o" and then a rolled "r" sound. Together, the phrase is pronounced /(d)juːli swɔːrn/.
Duly Sworn refers to an individual who has taken an oath or made a solemn statement under penalty of law in the presence of a person or authority authorized to administer such oaths. It denotes that the person has declared the truthfulness and accuracy of their statements, usually as a requirement in a legal or formal setting.
The act of being duly sworn typically occurs in courtrooms, administrative proceedings, or during the process of giving testimony. It is a legally binding affirmation that the individual will speak or act truthfully and faithfully, as required by law. By taking an oath, the person acknowledges their legal obligations to provide truthful information and to fulfill their duties faithfully.
When an individual is duly sworn, they accept legal consequences for any falsehoods or misrepresentations. If found to be dishonest or in violation of their sworn statements, they may face charges of perjury or other legal repercussions. Therefore, being duly sworn carries substantial legal significance, ensuring the integrity of the proceedings and the veracity of the information provided.
Overall, the phrase "duly sworn" implies that an individual has undertaken the formal responsibility to tell the truth within the context of a legal or official matter, backed by the recognition of legal authorities and the possibility of penalties if they violate their sworn statements or oath.
The term "duly sworn" is a phrase that combines two words with separate etymologies: "duly" and "sworn".
"Duly" is derived from the Middle English word "duëliche", which means "properly" or "fittingly". It further originated from the Old English word "dugol", meaning "worthy" or "good". Over time, "duëliche" evolved into "duly" in Modern English.
"Sworn", on the other hand, originates from the Old English word "swerian", meaning "to promise" or "to take an oath". It is related to the Old Norse word "sverja" and the Old Frisian word "sweria", both having similar meanings. Ultimately, "sworn" entered Middle English through the Norman French influence.