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direct evidence

American  

noun

  1. evidence of a witness who testifies to the truth of the fact to be proved (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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

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

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

It was put to Kemp that he had "no direct evidence" that Adams was involved.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Observing such a process would break a fundamental rule of particle physics called lepton flavor conservation, which is a key part of the Standard Model, and would provide direct evidence for physics beyond existing theories.

From Science Daily • Feb. 2, 2026

However, direct evidence that gut microbes contribute to these conditions has been limited.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 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