substantiate
Americanverb (used with object)
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to establish by proof or competent evidence.
to substantiate a charge.
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to give substantial existence to.
to substantiate an idea through action.
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to affirm as having substance; give body to; strengthen.
to substantiate a friendship.
verb
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to establish as valid or genuine
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to give form or real existence to
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of substantiate
First recorded in 1650–60; from New Latin substantiātus (past participle of substantiāre ), equivalent to Latin substanti(a) substance + -ātus -ate 1
Explanation
To substantiate is to give support to a claim. We’d really like to believe in the Tooth Fairy; however, more evidence is needed to substantiate her existence (besides that quarter in your pocket). Substantiate is related to the word substantial, which means "solid." So, to substantiate a claim is to make it solid or believable. If the evidence given in support of an argument is weak and unconvincing, that evidence can be described as insubstantial. Of course, in special cases like the Tooth Fairy, having substantial evidence doesn’t seem to matter; fans just keep on believing.
Vocabulary lists containing substantiate
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 6
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Substantiate your claim and present your bill and we will try to pay it.
From Cynthia Wakeham's Money by Green, Anna Katharine
Substantiate the barony, it will descend to your eldest daughter, who, even if married, will retain your name.
From Sybil, or the Two Nations by Disraeli, Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
