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evidence

EV-i-duhns/ˈɛv.ɪ.dəns/

Verbevidences, evidencing, evidenced

4 meanings of evidence

Practice

  1. 1
    proofnoununcountable
    Facts or signs that help show that something is true or really happened.

    Like clues that point to what really happened.

    The muddy footprints were clear evidence that someone had come inside.

    She had no evidence to prove that her brother took the money.

    UsageSay a piece of evidence (not incorrect: an evidence), and evidence of something.

    Similarproof

    Note
  2. 2
    in courtnoununcountable
    Facts, objects, or words from witnesses used in court to help prove what really happened.

    Like the items a detective shows the court to prove who did it.

    The knife was the most important evidence in the murder trial.

    The judge refused to allow that letter as evidence.

    UsageWitnesses give evidence in court. A judge decides what can be used as evidence.

    Similartestimony

    Note
  3. 3
    showverbtransitive
    To be a sign that something is true.

    Like footprints that show someone walked by.

    The team is getting better, as evidenced by its recent wins.

    To get the loan, your bank records must evidence a steady income.

    UsageYou will most often see it in as evidenced by, meaning "as shown by".

    Similarshow, demonstrate, reveal, indicate, prove

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    nounarchaic
    A person who tells others what they saw or know, often in court.
    infamous and perjured evidences
    1822, [Walter Scott], Peveril of the Peak.Here, evidences means witnesses, people who tell what they saw or know.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of evidence apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Latin evidentia, meaning "clearness" and later "a proof," from evidens meaning "clear." It passed through Old French into Middle English.