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

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 notes

In plain EnglishTo prove something is true by providing solid evidence.

Easily confused with

substitute →

Common pairings

substantiate a claim substantiate allegations fail to substantiate

Word forms

substantiated past tense, substantiates singular

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The journalist could not _____ the rumor, so she dropped the story.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin substantiatus, "given substance," first used in English in 1657.

Origin: Medieval Latin · First attested 1657

Class of 1657 substantiate joined the language around 1657.

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Synonyms

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support realize confirm realise sustain affirm embody incarnate corroborate actualize actualise body forth

Related words

know back support service post understand clear include

Rhymes for substantiate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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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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