evidence
IPA
Dictionary definition of evidence
Facts, information, or materials that support or demonstrate the truth or existence of something.
"The detective found crucial evidence at the crime scene that led to the arrest of the suspect."
Detailed meaning of evidence
It encompasses various forms of proof or substantiation that can be presented in a legal, scientific, or general context to support a claim, theory, or argument. Evidence can be tangible, such as physical objects, documents, or recordings, or intangible, such as testimonies, observations, or data. It plays a vital role in legal proceedings, where it is used to establish guilt or innocence, or in scientific research, where it is used to validate hypotheses or draw conclusions. Evidence serves as a means of providing credibility, reliability, and support to bolster the validity of statements or claims. It requires careful collection, analysis, and interpretation to determine its relevance and significance. The quality and strength of evidence can greatly influence the outcome of investigations, debates, or decision-making processes, as it provides a basis for reaching logical and well-informed conclusions.
Example sentences of evidence
1. The scientific study presented compelling evidence supporting the effectiveness of the new drug.
2. The lawyer presented a strong case with solid evidence to convince the jury of the defendant's innocence.
3. The fingerprints found on the weapon were vital evidence in linking the suspect to the murder.
4. The research team conducted experiments to gather empirical evidence for their hypothesis.
5. The security camera footage provided clear evidence of the theft taking place.
6. The archaeologists uncovered ancient artifacts, providing valuable evidence about the civilization that once existed.
History and etymology of evidence
The noun 'evidence' has its etymological roots in Latin. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'evidentia,' which is derived from the verb 'evidere.' 'Evidere' combines 'e,' meaning 'out,' and 'videre,' meaning 'to see.' Thus, 'evidence' originally meant 'that which is seen or observed.' In its early usage, it referred to information or facts that were visually or clearly apparent and could be readily perceived. Over time, as Latin evolved into various languages, including Old French and Middle English, 'evidence' took on a broader meaning, encompassing facts, information, or materials that support or demonstrate the truth or existence of something. The term 'evidence' reflects its historical connection to the idea of something that is visibly or clearly seen, and it continues to signify the means by which the veracity or reality of a matter is established.
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Further usage examples of evidence
1. The witness testimony provided key evidence in establishing the sequence of events.
2. The DNA analysis served as undeniable evidence in identifying the perpetrator.
3. The photographs taken at the accident scene were used as evidence in the insurance claim.
4. The email correspondence served as evidence of the business deal between the two parties.
5. The expert's report provided extensive evidence demonstrating the environmental impact of the industrial activity.
6. The fingerprints were crucial evidence in solving the case.
7. The surveillance footage provided solid evidence of the crime.
8. Witnesses testified, providing valuable evidence in court.
9. DNA analysis is often used to gather evidence.
10. The report presented irrefutable evidence of corruption.
11. Circumstantial evidence pointed to the suspect's guilt.
12. He searched for evidence to support his hypothesis.
13. The document serves as historical evidence of the event.
14. The missing piece of the puzzle was a crucial piece of evidence.
15. Investigators gathered photographic evidence of the accident.
16. The court demanded concrete evidence of the accused's actions.
17. Eyewitnesses gave conflicting accounts, complicating the evidence.
18. The data collected served as empirical evidence.
19. The fingerprints on the weapon were damning evidence.
20. The archive holds valuable evidence of past civilizations.
21. Detectives examined the evidence meticulously.
22. The artifacts unearthed were significant archaeological evidence.
23. The email provided digital evidence of their communication.
24. The DNA match was undeniable evidence of paternity.
confirmation,corroboration,data,documentation,indication,proof,substantiation,validation,verification
eb68db_25a99effbcf449b7a41796f14ccb2c74.mp3
proof, disproof, refutation, contradiction
exhibit,support,testimony