direct evidence

American  

noun

1. evidence of a witness who testifies to the truth of the fact to be proved (contrasted with circumstantial evidence).

---

direct evidence British  

noun

1. law evidence, usually the testimony of a witness, directly relating to the fact in dispute Compare circumstantial evidence

---

Example Sentences

This strong link between strain and electronic order provides direct evidence that subtle lattice distortions play a crucial role in shaping how these patterns form.

From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026

Beyond a handful of written statements, including one insisting the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, there is little direct evidence of his day-to-day control.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Scientists have suspected for more than 70 years that forests might produce these effects during storms due to unusual electric field activity, but direct evidence in nature had remained elusive.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

Parnell demanded Financial Times retract the report, but did not provide direct evidence that the report was false.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Archaeology provides us with direct evidence of culture in the form of pottery, pig and fish bones, and so on.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond