evidence
EHV-ih-duhns
Evidence (noun) means Facts, objects, or information that support a claim or help prove something is true. Example: “The detective gathered enough evidence to make an arrest.”
noun
1
Facts, objects, or information that support a claim or help prove something is true.
"The detective gathered enough evidence to make an arrest."
"There is no scientific evidence that the treatment works."
"Scientists need solid evidence before they can say a new idea is correct."
2
Material or testimony formally presented in a court case to prove or disprove a fact.
"The murder weapon was submitted as evidence at trial."
"A lawyer must decide which evidence the jury should see."
"The judge refused to accept the photographs as evidence because nobody could say who took them."
verb
1
To show or indicate that something is true.
"The bruises evidenced a struggle."
"Her careful notes evidenced a real commitment to the project."
"The long queue outside the shop evidenced the popularity of its new bread."
How to use evidence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishProof or support for a claim — anything that helps show something is true.
Common pairings
gather evidence
lack of evidence
evidence suggests
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Word forms
- Plural
- evidences
- Third person singular
- evidences
- Past tense
- evidenced
Fill the gap
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The detective gathered enough _____ to make an arrest.
Etymology
From Old French evidence, from Latin evidentia ("clearness, proof"), related to evidens, "evident."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for evidence
See all rhymes for evidence →Frequently asked questions
What does “evidence” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “evidence”?
“Evidence” is pronounced EHV-ih-duhns (/ˈɛv.ɪ.dəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “evidence” in a sentence?
Here is “evidence” used in a sentence: “The detective gathered enough evidence to make an arrest.”
What part of speech is “evidence”?
Depending on how it is used, “evidence” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “evidence” come from?
The word “evidence” comes from Latin. From Old French evidence, from Latin evidentia ("clearness, proof"), related to evidens, "evident.".
Is “evidence” a common word?
“Evidence” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “evidence” have?
“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.
What is the difference between evidence and proof?
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.
What are the types of evidence?
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.
Can evidence be misleading?
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.
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