Origin: Latin suffix -ence
Evidence has 8 different meanings across 2 categories:
(law) all the means by which any alleged matter of fact whose truth is investigated at judicial trial is established or disproved
"The defense attorney argued that the shaky surveillance footage was insufficient evidence to prove his client's presence at the crime scene."
Facts or observations presented in support of an assertion.
"The detective gathered all the physical evidence to prove that the suspect was at the scene."
In plain English: Evidence is any fact or piece of information that proves something is true or happened.
"The detective examined the crime scene for any evidence that could help solve the case."
Usage: Use evidence to refer to concrete facts, data, or observable details that prove a claim is true. Avoid using it loosely to mean mere suspicion or opinion; the word requires demonstrable proof.
provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
"His high fever attested to his illness"
"The buildings in Rome manifest a high level of architectural sophistication"
"This decision demonstrates his sense of fairness"
provide evidence for
"The blood test showed that he was the father"
"Her behavior testified to her incompetence"
To provide evidence for, or suggest the truth of.
"The new data provides strong evidence that the company's profits were inflated by accounting errors."
In plain English: To evidence something means to show that it is true by providing proof.
"The new data will evidence a clear trend in consumer behavior."
Usage: As a verb, evidence means to show proof of something through actions or results rather than just stating facts. You use it when someone's behavior clearly demonstrates a specific condition, such as saying his smile evidenced his happiness.
The word entered English via the Old French and Middle English forms of "evidence," which originally described clearness or obviousness before coming to mean proof. It derives from the Latin evidentia, built on a root meaning "clear" or "evident."