Evidence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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evidence
[ˈɛvɪdəns ]
Definitions
legal
The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
Synonyms
confirmation, proof, testimony.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| evidence |
Used when referring to information or objects that help in proving something. It is commonly used in legal contexts but can be applied in everyday situations when you need to show that something is true.
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| proof |
Often used in situations where definitive or conclusive verification is needed. Commonly used in both legal and scientific contexts, as well as everyday life when something needs to be conclusively shown.
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| confirmation |
Applied when something verifies or affirms a previous statement, belief, or hypothesis. Often used in everyday situations or formal confirmations.
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| testimony |
Primarily used in legal contexts to refer to formal statements given by witnesses under oath. It can also be used more loosely to describe personal stories that support a claim.
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Examples of usage
- There is no evidence to support the theory.
- The evidence presented in court was overwhelming.
scientific
The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
Synonyms
data, findings, results.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| evidence |
Use this word when referring to information that supports a belief or conclusion, especially in a legal, scientific, or academic context.
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| data |
This word is used when talking about raw facts or figures that can be analyzed. It is often used in scientific research, business, and technology.
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| findings |
This is used to describe the results or conclusions that come from an investigation or research. It is frequently used in reports, academic papers, and scientific studies.
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| results |
This term is used to describe the outcome of an experiment, test, or a process. It is frequently used in scientific, academic, and practical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The scientist found evidence of a new species.
- The evidence points towards a different conclusion.
general
To show or indicate through proof or example.
Synonyms
demonstrate, prove, show.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| evidence |
Use 'evidence' when talking about information or facts that help show that something is true or false. It is often used in legal, scientific, or investigative contexts.
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| demonstrate |
Use 'demonstrate' when showing how something works, explaining something clearly, or providing proof through actions or examples. It is commonly used in educational, professional, or experimental settings.
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| prove |
Use 'prove' when providing conclusive evidence to establish the truth or validity of something. It often implies a final or definitive action in contexts such as mathematics, science, or law.
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| show |
Use 'show' when pointing out, indicating, or displaying something to someone. It is a more general word that can be used in various everyday contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She was able to evidence her point with clear examples.
- The research data evidences a strong correlation.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In scientific research, evidence is crucial for forming hypotheses and proving theories.
- Empirical evidence, which comes from observation or experiments, is considered the gold standard in science.
Law
- In court, evidence is necessary to support claims and establish the truth of a case.
- There are different types of evidence, including witness testimonies, documents, and physical items.
Psychology
- Cognitive biases can affect how people interpret evidence, often leading to faulty conclusions.
- Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that supports existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.
Pop Culture
- Many detective stories and crime shows revolve around finding evidence to solve a mystery.
- Popular TV series like 'CSI' often dramatize the collection and analysis of evidence to depict criminal investigations.
Origin of 'evidence'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'evidentia', meaning 'obviousness' or 'clearness'.
- In Medieval Latin, it evolved to mean 'manifest' or 'clear', indicating something that cannot be disputed.
The word 'evidence' originated from the Latin word 'evidentia', meaning 'proof'. Over time, it has evolved to encompass the concept of facts or information that support a belief or proposition. The importance of evidence in various fields such as law, science, and everyday reasoning has been recognized for centuries, with the credibility and reliability of evidence playing a crucial role in decision-making and establishing the truth.