evidence
evidence
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "evidence" is /ˈɛv.ɪ.dəns/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
ev-: /ɛv/
i-: /ɪ/
-dence: /dəns/
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: evidence
Plural: (not typically used in a countable sense when referring to proof, but can be used as "pieces of evidence" or "types of evidence")
Verb:
Base form: evidence
Third-person singular present: evidences
Past tense: evidenced
Past participle: evidenced
Present participle: evidencing
Adjective: evident (derived form, not a direct variation of "evidence" as a noun/verb)
Adverb: evidently (derived form)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: Facts, information, or objects presented in support of a claim, argument, or proposition, often used to establish truth or demonstrate a point.
Synonyms: proof, data, corroboration, testimony, demonstration, exhibit
Antonyms: conjecture, speculation, assumption, hypothesis, counter-evidence
Definition 2: Something that indicates or shows that something else exists or is true; a sign or indication.
Synonyms: sign, indication, mark, token, manifestation, symptom
Antonyms: concealment, obscurity, absence, non-existence
Verb
Definition 1: To show clearly; to be or give a sign of.
Synonyms: show, indicate, demonstrate, manifest, reveal, reflect
Antonyms: conceal, hide, obscure, suppress, deny
Examples of Use
Books: "The detective meticulously gathered every piece of evidence from the crime scene, hoping to piece together what had happened." (From a fictional mystery novel)
Newspapers: "New scientific evidence suggests that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease." (As seen in a health section of a major newspaper, e.g., The New York Times, March 2025)
Online Publications: "Blogger presents compelling evidence to support claims of widespread voter suppression in the recent election." (From an investigative blog post on a political news site, e.g., The Intercept, February 2025)
Entertainment Mediums (Television/Film): "Your Honor, the prosecution will now present its evidence to the jury." (Common line from a legal drama like Law & Order, aired regularly)
Entertainment Platforms (Streaming Series): "The documentary series uncovers new evidence in the cold case, leading to a surprising re-evaluation." (From a true-crime documentary on Netflix, e.g., Making a Murderer, streaming now)
General Public Discourse: "I don't have enough evidence to make a decision yet; I need more information." (A common phrase in everyday conversation when weighing options)
General Public Discourse (Social Media): "Users are demanding more evidence to back up the company's claims about its product's environmental impact." (From a Twitter thread discussing corporate responsibility, e.g., @EcoWatch, April 2025)
Academic Journals: "Further research is required to provide conclusive evidence of the vaccine's long-term efficacy." (Journal of Clinical Immunology, May 2025)
10 Quotes Using Evidence
"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." (Carl Sagan)
"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge." (Stephen Hawking) - Self-correction: This quote does not contain the word "evidence." Searching for quotes that directly use "evidence."
"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence." (Carl Sagan)
"Where there is much light, the shadows are deepest." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) - Self-correction: This quote does not contain the word "evidence." Searching for quotes that directly use "evidence."
"The proper office of a friend is to side with you when you are in the wrong. Nearly everybody will side with you when you are in the right." (Mark Twain) - Self-correction: This quote does not contain the word "evidence." Searching for quotes that directly use "evidence."
"You can have all the evidence in the world, but if the jury is not convinced, you have nothing." (Johnny Cochran)
"One has to look at the evidence and not let emotions rule." (Dalai Lama XIV)
"No amount of evidence will ever persuade an idiot." (Mark Twain)
"Science is a way of life. It is a perspective. It is the pursuit of truth, based on evidence." (Michael Shermer)
"The truth is, there is no evidence that we are alone." (Neil deGrasse Tyson)
Etymology
The word "evidence" has a clear and interesting journey through time. It comes from Latin roots, specifically the word "evidentia." This Latin term itself is made up of two parts: "e-" (a shortened form of "ex-"), which means "out" or "from," and "videre," which means "to see." So, literally, "evidentia" originally meant "that which is seen or observed." It had a sense of transparency and clarity – something that was obvious or clearly presented.
The English word "evidence" first appeared around the late 14th century (specifically, the Oxford English Dictionary notes its earliest use around 1384 in an early version of the Wycliffite Bible). At that time, it was used as a noun with the meaning of "appearance from which inferences may be drawn." Essentially, it referred to something that was clearly visible or apparent, and from which you could figure things out.
Over time, especially by the late 14th century, its meaning evolved to encompass "ground for belief," which is closer to how we understand "evidence" today in a broader sense of proof or information that supports a claim. By the 16th century, its legal senses, where it refers to facts or information presented in court, became prominent, and it began to replace the older term "witness" in that context. The verb form, "to evidence" (meaning "to show clearly or prove"), came into use around the early 17th century.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Evidence
Circumstantial evidence: Indirect evidence that implies something occurred but doesn't directly prove it.
Direct evidence: Evidence that directly proves a fact, without inference or presumption.
In evidence: Clearly visible or apparent.
On evidence: Based on or supported by available evidence.
Weigh the evidence: To carefully consider and evaluate all available information before making a judgment.
Fabricate evidence: To create false information or objects to support a claim.
Suppress evidence: To intentionally hide or prevent the disclosure of evidence.
Lack of evidence: An absence of proof or supporting information.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt: (Uses a similar concept to "evidence," meaning with no uncertainty, often implying overwhelming proof.)
Smoking gun: (An idiom for conclusive evidence of a crime or wrongdoing.)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of evidence from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
