verifiable
VER-ih-fy-uh-bul
/ˈvɛrɪfaɪəbəl/
Able to be checked or demonstrated to be true, accurate, or justified.
Verifiable implies that evidence or methods exist to confirm the truth of a statement or fact, making it possible to prove or disprove.
The story behind the word. The word 'verifiable' comes from the Latin 'verus,' meaning 'true,' combined with '-ficare' (to make) and '-abilis' (able). So, 'verifiable' literally means 'able to be made true' or 'able to be proven true.' This root 'verus' is also found in words like 'veracity' (truthfulness) and 'verdict' (a true saying). It emphasizes the ability to confirm the truth of something through evidence.
Word relationships
- provable: Able to be demonstrated or established by evidence or argument.
- confirmable: Able to be established as true or definite.
- demonstrable: Clearly apparent or capable of being logically proved.
- unverifiable: Not able to be checked or demonstrated to be true.
- unprovable: Not able to be demonstrated or established by evidence or argument.
- speculative: Based on conjecture rather than knowledge.
Commonly confused with
- credible: Verifiable means it can be proven; credible means it is believable (even if not yet proven).
Word family
- verify (verb): To make sure or demonstrate that (something) is true, accurate, or justified.
- verification (noun): The process of establishing the truth, accuracy, or validity of something.
Collocations
- verifiable facts
- verifiable data
- verifiable evidence
- easily verifiable
- not verifiable
Example sentences
- "All scientific claims must be verifiable through experimentation or observation to be accepted by the community." Discussing scientific research.
- "Reputable news organizations insist on verifiable facts before publishing a story, ensuring accuracy." In journalism.
Memory hook
To 'VERIFY' is to check if it's 'VERY' true, making it 'VERIFIABLE'. Able to prove true
When not to use
Do not use 'verifiable' for subjective opinions or beliefs that cannot be proven or disproven with evidence.
Fun facts
- The scientific method relies heavily on the principle of verifiability, requiring experiments to be repeatable and their results confirmable.
- In computer science, 'verification' refers to the process of checking whether a system meets its specifications.
Related words
Explore more words
verify, verification, veracity, substantiate, evidence, validate
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.