evidence
evidence Lexical Profile
evidence Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
"Scientists gathered substantial evidence to support the new climate model."
Information drawn from personal testimony, a document, or a material object, used to establish facts in a legal investigation or admissible as testimony in a court of law.
"The defense attorney argued that the physical evidence had been improperly handled."
An outward sign, trace, or indication that something exists or has occurred.
"The ancient pottery shards were the only evidence of an early settlement in the valley."
• verb
To be or show proof or indication of something.
"The success of the conservation program is evidenced by the steady recovery of the bird population."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a noun, 'evidence' is strictly uncountable in standard English; to refer to a single item, use 'a piece of evidence' rather than 'an evidence' or 'evidences'. As a verb, 'evidence' is used primarily in formal and academic registers, often in the passive voice ('as evidenced by').
• Rhymes for evidence
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French 'evidence', from Late Latin 'evidentia' ('distinction, clearness'), derived from the Latin verb 'evidere' ('to appear clearly'), from 'ex-' ('out') and 'videre' ('to see').