evidence

The word “evidence” means facts, objects, or information that support a claim or help prove something is true. In plain terms, proof or support for a claim — anything that helps show something is true.

“Evidence” is pronounced EHV-ih-duhns (/ˈɛv.ɪ.dəns/ in IPA).

Here is “evidence” used in a sentence: “The detective gathered enough evidence to make an arrest.”

Depending on how it is used, “evidence” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “evidence” comes from Latin. From Old French evidence, from Latin evidentia ("clearness, proof"), related to evidens, "evident.".

“Evidence” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Evidence” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: facts, objects, or information that support a claim or help prove something is true.

Evidence is the facts, objects, or information that support a claim — it points toward a conclusion. Proof is what those pieces add up to when they establish something beyond doubt. You gather evidence; when it is strong and complete enough, it becomes proof. A single clue is evidence, not yet proof.

Common types include direct evidence, which proves a fact outright, and circumstantial evidence, which points to it indirectly. There is also physical evidence like objects, documentary evidence like records, and testimonial evidence given by witnesses. Different fields — law, science, history — weigh these types in their own ways.

Yes. Evidence supports a claim, but it can be incomplete, misread, planted, or taken out of context, pointing people toward a wrong conclusion. That is why single pieces are treated with caution and why claims are usually judged on the weight of several sources rather than one.