evidence
EV-ih-duhns
/ˈɛvɪdəns/
The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid. In law, information presented in court to prove or disprove a point.
In a legal context, evidence must be admissible (allowed by the judge) and relevant to the case.
The story behind the word. The word 'evidence' comes from the Old French 'evidence,' which itself is derived from the Latin 'evidentia,' meaning 'visibility, proof.' This Latin term comes from 'evidens,' meaning 'obvious, apparent,' formed from 'e-' (out) and 'videre' (to see). So, evidence is literally something that makes the truth 'visible' or 'clear to see' in a legal case.
Word relationships
- proof: Proof implies conclusive evidence that establishes the truth of something, while evidence is any information that supports or refutes a claim.
- data: Data is raw facts and figures, which may become evidence when analyzed and presented in a legal context.
- conjecture: An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information, lacking concrete evidence.
- speculation: The forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.
Commonly confused with
- proof: 'Evidence' is the information presented to support a claim. 'Proof' is the result of evidence being so strong that it establishes the truth of a claim beyond doubt.
Word family
- evident (adjective): plain or obvious; clearly seen or understood.
- evidently (adverb): as far as can be seen or understood; clearly.
Collocations
- circumstantial evidence
- direct evidence
- physical evidence
- admissible evidence
- present evidence
Idioms & expressions
- turn state's evidence
Example sentences
- "Forensic evidence, including fingerprints and DNA, played a crucial role in identifying the perpetrator." Referring to physical proof in a case.
- "The prosecution presented compelling evidence that linked the suspect to the crime scene." Discussing the presentation of information.
Memory hook
Good 'EVIDENCE' makes the truth 'EVIDENT'. EVIDENT truth
When not to use
Do not use 'evidence' as a countable noun (e.g., 'many evidences'); it is an uncountable noun. Use 'pieces of evidence' or 'items of evidence'.
Fun facts
- The rules of evidence are complex and vary significantly between legal systems and jurisdictions.
- Hearsay (second-hand information) is generally not admissible as evidence in court, though there are exceptions.
Explore more words
admissible, adduce, hearsay, circumstantial, inquiry, allegation
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