substantiate

[suhb-stan-shee-eyt]

verb (used with object)

substantiated, substantiating 

1. to establish by proof or competent evidence.

   to substantiate a charge.

   Synonyms: validate, verify, confirm, prove

2. to give substantial existence to.

   to substantiate an idea through action.

3. to affirm as having substance; give body to; strengthen.

   to substantiate a friendship.

substantiate

/ səbˈstænʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to establish as valid or genuine

2. to give form or real existence to

Other Word Forms

• substantiator noun
• substantiation noun
• substantiative adjective
• substantiatable adjective
• resubstantiate verb (used with object)
• unsubstantiatable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of substantiate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from New Latin substantiātus (past participle of substantiāre ), equivalent to Latin substanti(a) substance + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of substantiate¹

C17: from New Latin substantiāre, from Latin substantia _substance

Example Sentences

Legal experts say the new evidence makes it far harder to substantiate mortgage fraud charges.

Read more on Salon

This summer, the report revealed that 45 claims against Wallace had been substantiated, including one of unwelcome physical contact and three of being in a state of undress.

Read more on BBC

A claim that Torode had used a severely offensive racist term was also substantiated.

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He also said the prosecution had not provided enough evidence to substantiate their claims.

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Last month, a report by the show's production company revealed that more than 40 complaints against Wallace had been upheld, while a claim that Torode had used a severely offensive racist term was also substantiated.

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Related Words

• affirm 
• confirm 
• corroborate 
• debunk 
• demonstrate 
• justify 
• prove 
• ratify 
• validate 
• verify