Evidence Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈɪvədəns/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A fact, piece of information, or proof that supports or is used as an argument to establish or confirm a point, claim, or theory.

Examples

• The expert presented evidence that the company’s financial reports were inaccurate.
• The detective gathered evidence from the crime scene to solve the murder case.

Synonyms

• Proof
• Testimony
• Verdict

Antonyms

• Conjecture
• Gossip
• Lie

Etymology

The word ‘Evidence’ comes from the Old French ‘evident’, meaning ‘clear’ or ‘plain’, and is derived from the Latin ‘videre’, meaning ‘to see’.

Usage Notes

Evidence is a vital concept in various fields, including law, science, and philosophy. It’s essential to use evidence-based reasoning in decision-making processes.

Cultural References

The concept of evidence is often referenced in popular culture, such as in crime dramas like ‘CSI’ or ‘Law & Order’, where investigators gather and analyze evidence to solve crimes.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

In the phrase ‘smoking gun’, evidence that proves a point or accusation. ‘On the evidence’, based on available facts rather than opinion.

Related Words or Phrases

Accusation, Testimony, Proof, Speculation, Conjecture, Lie

Collocations

Evidence-based medicine, Evidence-supported theory, Evidence of wrongdoing

Frequency of Use

Evidence is a commonly used term in modern language, appearing in a wide range of contexts, including academic, professional, and everyday conversations.

Common Misspellings

Evidens, Evdence, Evidance