evidence

[ev-i-duhns]

noun

1. that which tends to prove or disprove something; ground for belief; proof.

2. something that makes plain or clear; an indication or sign.

   His flushed look was visible evidence of his fever.

3. Law.,  data presented to a court or jury in proof of the facts in issue and which may include the testimony of witnesses, records, documents, or objects.

   Synonyms: affidavit, deposition, information

verb (used with object)

evidenced, evidencing 

1. to make evident or clear; show clearly; manifest.

   He evidenced his approval by promising his full support.

   Synonyms: demonstrate

2. to support by evidence.

   He evidenced his accusation with incriminating letters.

evidence

/ ˈɛvɪdəns /

noun

1. ground for belief or disbelief; data on which to base proof or to establish truth or falsehood

2. a mark or sign that makes evident; indication

   his pallor was evidence of ill health

3. law matter produced before a court of law in an attempt to prove or disprove a point in issue, such as the statements of witnesses, documents, material objects, etc See also circumstantial evidence direct evidence

4. (of an accomplice) to act as witness for the prosecution and testify against those associated with him in crime

5. on display; apparent; conspicuous

   her new ring was in evidence

verb

1. to make evident; show clearly

2. to give proof of or evidence for

Other Word Forms

• counterevidence noun
• preevidence noun
• reevidence verb (used with object)
• superevidence noun
• unevidenced adjective
• well-evidenced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of evidence¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English noun from Middle French, from Latin ēvidentia; evident, -ence

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in evidence, plainly visible; conspicuous.

   The first signs of spring are in evidence.

see in evidence; much in evidence.

Synonym Study

Evidence, exhibit, testimony, proof refer to information furnished in a legal investigation to support a contention. Evidence is any information so given, whether furnished by witnesses or derived from documents or from any other source: Hearsay evidence is not admitted in a trial. An exhibit in law is a document or article that is presented in court as evidence: The signed contract is Exhibit A. Testimony is usually evidence given by witnesses under oath: The jury listened carefully to the testimony. Proof is evidence that is so complete and convincing as to put a conclusion beyond reasonable doubt: proof of the innocence of the accused.

Example Sentences

The court papers offer a slew of evidence that prosecutors say shows that Rinderknecht was on the hiking trail in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day when the fire started.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Unanimous, across-the-aisle votes in both chambers tells us that big policy change is possible when we choose evidence over ideology and kids over politics.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"While our studies are in mice, there is evidence to suggest this pathway is relevant in people," Lodhi said.

Read more on Science Daily

The evidence was heard on the third day of proceedings against the Canadian citizen, who denies murdering Ms Leveque last February.

Read more on BBC

Investigators say they have sufficient evidence to show the officers breached police standards of professional behaviour.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• clue 
• confirmation 
• data 
• deposition 
• documentation 
• indication 
• information 
• sign 
• testimony 
• witness