direct evidence

American  

noun

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

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direct evidence British  

noun

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

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Example Sentences

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

This discovery fills that gap and provides direct evidence of when these defining features first appeared.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

"My big issue was what I called 'the bystander effect', which I've direct evidence of," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Though we can learn much about the Fox sisters’ actions from their believers and detractors, we have little direct evidence for what Maggie or Kate truly thought or felt about their lives.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock