evidence
evidence
Pronunciation
The word "evidence" has the following variations:
Number:
Singular: evidence
Plural: evidences (used less commonly, "evidence" is preferred for both singular and plural)
Part of Speech:
Noun: (most common usage) - refers to information used to prove or disprove something.
Verb (less common): evidenced (past participle), evidencing (present participle) - to show or make evident.
Other Derivatives:
Adjective: unevidenced (rare) - not supported by evidence.
Idiom: in evidence (commonly used) - readily apparent, visible.
Word Form Variations
The word "evidence" has the following variations:
Number:
Singular: evidence
Plural: evidences (used less commonly, "evidence" is preferred for both singular and plural)
Part of Speech:
Noun: (most common usage) - refers to information used to prove or disprove something.
Verb (less common): evidenced (past participle), evidencing (present participle) - to show or make evident.
Other Derivatives:
Adjective: unevidenced (rare) - not supported by evidence.
Idiom: in evidence (commonly used) - readily apparent, visible.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: Information used to establish or disprove something; proof, grounds for belief.
Synonyms: proof, verification, confirmation, documentation, testimony, indication, sign.
Antonyms: disproof, contradiction, refutation, negation, denial.
Verb (Less Common):
Past Participle: evidenced
Present Participle: evidencing
Definition: To show or make something evident; to be evidence of.
Synonyms (Verb): demonstrate, manifest, display, reveal, substantiate. (Note: These synonyms work best depending on the context.)
Antonyms (Verb): obscure, conceal, hide, mask. (Note: These synonyms work best depending on the context.)
Adjective (Rare):
Unevidenced
Definition: Not supported by evidence; lacking proof.
Synonyms (Adjective): unsubstantiated, unproven, undocumented, unverifiable.
Antonyms (Adjective): evidenced, proven, documented, verifiable.
Idiom:
In evidence
Definition: Readily apparent, visible, clearly present.
Synonyms (Idiom): conspicuous, noticeable, evident, plain to see, on display.
Antonyms (Idiom): hidden, concealed, obscured, out of sight, inconspicuous.
Examples of Use
1. Literature:
"The detective meticulously gathered evidence from the crime scene to identify the culprit." (Agatha Christie, Murder on the Orient Express)
2. Newspaper:
"Mounting evidence suggests a link between air pollution and increased respiratory illnesses." (The New York Times, April 10, 2024)
3. Online Publication:
"A recent scientific study presented strong evidence for the effectiveness of this new cancer treatment." (Science Daily, March 15, 2024)
4. Entertainment Media:
"On the legal drama, the lawyer passionately argued that the witness testimony was not credible evidence." (TV show dialogue)
5. Public Discourse:
"During the debate, the politician demanded more evidence to support the proposed economic reforms." (News report on a political debate)
6. Social Media:
"Social media post: There's no evidence to support this conspiracy theory. Please rely on credible sources!"
7. Legal Proceedings:
"The judge ruled that the confession could not be admitted as evidence because it was obtained under duress." (Courtroom scene in a movie)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Evidence
"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." - Carl Sagan (Astrophysicist) [This quote highlights the importance of considering the lack of evidence as inconclusive, not definitive]
"What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence." - Christopher Hitchens (Author) [This quote emphasizes the need for evidence to support claims]
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." - Thomas Jefferson (US President) [This quote emphasises the objective nature of evidence]
"There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact." - Sherlock Holmes (Fictional Detective by Arthur Conan Doyle) [This quote highlights the need to critically examine even seemingly clear evidence]
"We offer you evidence. We ask you to judge for yourselves. Think for yourselves." - Carl Sagan (Astrophysicist) [This quote emphasises the importance of independent evaluation of evidence]
"Growth is the only evidence of life." - John Henry Newman (Cardinal) [This quote uses evidence to define a concept - life]
"A hundred suspicions don't make an ounce of proof." - Euripides (Greek Playwright) [This quote highlights the distinction between suspicion and evidence]
"JUROR #8: The old man—“I'm gonna kill you,” body hitting the floor a second later—would have had to hear the boy's words with the el [train] roaring past his nose!” (Henry Fonda in the film "12 Angry Men") [This quote showcases the use of evidence in building a case]
"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence." - Carl Sagan (Astrophysicist) [This quote emphasises the need for stronger evidence for improbable claims].
"You can't win an argument by quoting people you don't understand." - A.J. Liebling (Journalist) [This quote, though not directly about evidence, highlights the importance of understanding the source of evidence]
Etymology
The word "evidence" comes from an old Latin word, "evidentia." This Latin word basically meant "clear to see" or "obvious." Think of something so clear it's like seeing it right in front of your face - that's what "evidentia" meant.
Over time, the word made its way into English through French. In Middle English (between 1150 and 1500 AD), the word "evidence" started showing up, but it still held that original meaning of something being very clear.
Slowly, the meaning shifted a bit. We still use evidence to refer to things that are clear (like "the muddy footprints are evidence someone walked through the garden"), but now it also refers to anything that helps you figure something out, even if it's not totally obvious. So witness testimony, documents, or scientific data can all be evidence, even if they don't make things crystal clear right away.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Evidence
Common Phrases:
Mount evidence: To gradually gather more and more evidence to support a claim. (e.g., "The police are mounting evidence against the suspect.")
Weigh the evidence: To carefully consider all the available evidence before reaching a conclusion. (e.g., "The jury weighed the evidence for days before reaching a verdict.")
Present evidence: To formally introduce evidence in a legal setting. (e.g., "The lawyer presented new evidence that cast doubt on the witness's testimony.")
Circumstantial evidence: Indirect evidence that suggests something happened, but doesn't definitively prove it. (e.g., "The presence of fingerprints at the scene is circumstantial evidence that the suspect was there.")
Watertight evidence: Very strong and convincing evidence that leaves no room for doubt. (e.g., "The prosecution had watertight evidence against the defendant.")
Idioms:
In evidence: Readily apparent, visible, clearly present. (e.g., "There were signs of spring in evidence, with flowers blooming and birds singing.")
Tamper with evidence: To alter or interfere with evidence in order to mislead an investigation. (e.g., "The suspect was accused of tampering with evidence at the crime scene.")
Beyond a shadow of a doubt: Completely certain, with no room for doubt (often used in legal contexts). (e.g., "The jury found the defendant guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt.")
Posts Related to Evidence
Source Information
Definition of evidence from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
