corroborate
kuh-ROB-uh-reyt
/kəˈrɒbəreɪt/
To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding.
It implies adding new evidence that aligns with existing evidence, making the whole case stronger.
The story behind the word. The root 'robur' means 'oak' or 'strength' (the same root as 'robust'). To corroborate is to 'strengthen together'—like adding more oak beams to a structure to make it unshakeable.
Word relationships
- substantiate: Substantiate means to provide the initial evidence for a claim; corroborate means to provide additional evidence that supports what is already there.
- contradict: Contradict means to provide evidence that goes directly against a claim.
Word family
- corroboration (noun): Evidence that confirms or supports a statement.
- corroborative (adjective): Serving to support or help prove a point.
Collocations
- corroborate a story
- corroborate evidence
- fully corroborate
Example sentences
- "The witness's testimony was corroborated by the security camera footage." Legal requirement for testimony.
- "Independent studies were conducted to corroborate the initial findings of the lab." Scientific validation.
Memory hook
Corroborate sounds like 'Co-Robust'. You make the story more robust by working together with other facts. Strengthen with oak.
When not to use
Do not use for simple agreement; it requires independent evidence or testimony.
Fun facts
- In many legal systems, a person cannot be convicted on a confession alone; there must be 'corroborating' physical evidence.
Related words
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