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Evidence Very Common

Origin: Latin suffix -ence

Evidence has 8 different meanings across 2 categories:

Noun · Verb

Definitions
Noun
1

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

"the evidence that smoking causes lung cancer is very compelling"

2

an indication that makes something evident

"his trembling was evidence of his fear"

3

(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."

4

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.

Verb
1

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"

2

provide evidence for

"The blood test showed that he was the father"

"Her behavior testified to her incompetence"

3

give evidence

"he was telling on all his former colleague"

4

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.

Example Sentences
"The detective examined the crime scene for any evidence that could help solve the case." noun
"The detective presented physical evidence to prove the suspect's guilt." noun
"Her absence at the meeting was strong evidence that she resigned." noun
"New scientific evidence suggests the climate is changing faster than expected." noun
"The new data will evidence a clear trend in consumer behavior." verb
Related Terms
manufacture evidential pauci immune fact evidences evidenceth learned treatise summing up character witness benefit of doubt homogenetic preconception indication cyberfootprint private investigator signification hide nor hair suspicion critical thinking dead to rights
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
information indication testify inform
Narrower Terms (hyponyms)
probable cause proof disproof lead symptom sign smoking gun clue footprint evidence record testimony argument attestation identification exhibit corpus delicti direct evidence circumstantial evidence corroborating evidence hearsay evidence state's evidence authenticate reflect notarize condemn attest presume adduce

Origin

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."

Rhyming Words
nce ance ince unce ence once vince sence ponce nance munce vance dunce hence bonce ounce nonce gance dance vonce
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