verb
C2
Proficient
substantiate
suhb-STAN-shee-ayt
Substantiate (verb) means to back up a claim with evidence or proof. Example: “The journalist could not substantiate the rumor, so she dropped the story.”
verb
1
To back up a claim with evidence or proof.
"The journalist could not substantiate the rumor, so she dropped the story."
"Receipts were needed to substantiate the expense claim."
How to use substantiate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo prove something is true by providing solid evidence.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
substantiate a claim
substantiate allegations
fail to substantiate
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- substantiates
- Past tense
- substantiated
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Can you complete this real example?
The journalist could not _____ the rumor, so she dropped the story.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin substantiatus, "given substance," first used in English in 1657.
Class of 1657
substantiate joined the language around 1657.
See the full Class of 1657 →
Synonyms
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Rhymes for substantiate
See all rhymes for substantiate →Frequently asked questions
What does “substantiate” mean?
The word “substantiate” means to back up a claim with evidence or proof. In plain terms, to prove something is true by providing solid evidence.
How do you pronounce “substantiate”?
“Substantiate” is pronounced suhb-STAN-shee-ayt (/səbˈstænʃiˌeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “substantiate” in a sentence?
Here is “substantiate” used in a sentence: “The journalist could not substantiate the rumor, so she dropped the story.”
What part of speech is “substantiate”?
“Substantiate” is a verb.
Where does the word “substantiate” come from?
The word “substantiate” dates back to around 1657 and comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin substantiatus, "given substance," first used in English in 1657.
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