corroborate
kuh-ROB-uh-rayt
/kəˈrɒbəreɪt/
To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding with evidence.
Corroborate is highly evidence-based. You cannot corroborate an opinion with just feelings; you must provide physical proof, data, or witness testimony.
The story behind the word. Corroborate comes from the Latin 'corroborare', which combines 'con-' (together) and 'robur' (oak, or strength). The word 'robur' was used by Romans to describe the hardest wood, specifically oak. Therefore, to corroborate a story is to make it as strong and unyielding as an oak tree by adding supporting evidence.
Word relationships
- confirm: Confirm is a general term, while corroborate specifically implies adding a new layer of supporting evidence to an existing claim.
- substantiate: Substantiate means to provide the physical substance or proof of a claim, closely related to corroborate.
- contradict: Contradict is to state the opposite of a claim, directly opposing corroboration.
- refute: Refute is to prove a statement or theory to be wrong with evidence.
Commonly confused with
- collaborate: Collaborate means to work together with others, while corroborate means to support a claim with evidence.
Word family
- corroboration (noun): Evidence that confirms or supports a statement.
- corroborative (adjective): Serving to support or collaborate.
Collocations
- corroborate evidence
- corroborate a story
- fully corroborate
Example sentences
- "The security camera footage served to corroborate the suspect's alibi, proving he was miles away." A forensic investigation where evidence supports a story.
- "Recent geological discoveries corroborate the theory that a massive asteroid struck the Earth." An academic research paper where new data supports an old theory.
Memory hook
Think of a 'robust' oak tree. To corroborate is to make a story robust and strong. Corroborate = Make strong like oak.
When not to use
Do not use corroborate when you simply agree with someone's taste in music or food.
Fun facts
- The word 'robust' (strong and healthy) comes from the exact same Latin root 'robur' (oak) as corroborate.
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