Pronunciation: [tɪstˈe͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The word "testate" is spelled as T-E-S-T-A-T-E. It is pronounced as ˈtɛsteɪt in IPA phonetic transcription. This word is commonly used in the legal system to refer to a person who has made a valid will before they passed away. It is the opposite of "intestate," meaning a person who dies without a will. Accurate spelling of legal terms is crucial to avoid confusion and misinterpretation in legal proceedings.
Testate is an adjective that describes someone who has died, leaving a valid will. It is derived from the Latin term "testamentum," which means will or testament. When an individual dies testate, it means they had the foresight to make legal arrangements for the distribution of their property, assets, and belongings after their death by preparing a will that meets the requirements of the applicable jurisdiction.
Being testate is the opposite of dying intestate, which means passing away without leaving a valid will. In this case, the deceased's estate is distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which vary by jurisdiction. However, when someone is testate, their will is typically submitted to a probate court, where its validity is assessed and the administration of their estate is supervised.
Being testate offers the deceased individual the advantage of having their last wishes clearly articulated in their will, along with instructions about the division of their assets and who should be appointed as the executor of their estate. This ensures that their estate is distributed as per their intentions and prevents potential conflicts or confusion among beneficiaries. Dying testate enables the deceased to have control over their estate and bequeath their assets in a manner they deem fit, reflecting their personal choices and preferences.
Having made and left a will; disposed of by will.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "testate" comes from the Latin term "testatus", which is the past participle of the verb "testari", meaning "to be a witness" or "to make a will". The Latin word "testamentum" also contributes to the etymology, which refers to a legal document, specifically a will. Over time, the Latin term "testatus" evolved into "testate" in English, used to describe a person who dies with a valid will.
