In plain English
This role is for someone who is there when another person signs a document. After seeing that signature being made, the person signs as well to confirm that they witnessed it.
In context
Here, "witness" labels the additional person whose signature confirms that they were present and saw the main signer sign the document.
- Situation
- Reading agreement sections, parties, dates, signatures, and execution status
- What it communicates
- labels an additional person signing to witness the main signature.
Meaning limits
The term alone does not show that this person agrees with the document's contents; it only identifies them as someone who observed the signing and signed to confirm that.
Examples
“When Priya signed the lease, her neighbour watched as a witness and then signed below her name.”
“Before mailing the application, they asked a witness to sign beside Joel's signature.”