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

So far, there is no direct evidence that removing meat advertising from public spaces leads to a shift toward more plant-based societies.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

"It's extremely satisfying to have direct evidence to solve this mystery at long last!"

From Science Daily • May 1, 2026

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

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

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

There is no direct evidence regarding de’ Barbari’s date of birth, but he was described as old and ill in 1512; his earliest securely dated work is 1500.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton