evidence
n. · v.-
1 proof or signs (n.) B1 Intermediatefacts or information that help you believe something is true or exists.
the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid. Uncountable in general usage.
ExampleThere is no clear evidence that the new law has reduced crime in the city.
ExampleResearchers have gathered substantial evidence suggesting that regular exercise significantly improves cognitive function in older adults.
UsageThis noun is uncountable and does not have a plural form.
- disproof
- contradiction
PitfallThe police found many evidences at the house.The police found a lot of evidence at the house.Evidence is uncountable; do not add an 's' or use 'many'. Use 'pieces of evidence' if you need to count them.
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2 legal proof (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Lawinformation or objects shown in a court of law to prove if someone is guilty.
information, whether oral or documentary, which may be legally submitted to a court as a means of ascertaining the truth of any alleged matter of fact under investigation.
ExampleThe judge ruled that the bloody glove could be used as evidence during the trial.
ExampleThe prosecution struggled to build a convincing case after the key witness's testimony was dismissed as hearsay evidence.
UsageOften used with verbs like 'admit', 'suppress', or 'present'.
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3 to show or prove (v.) C1 Advanced Academic Formalto show clearly that something exists or is true.
to provide evidence for or to be a sign of something. Transitive verb requiring a direct object.
ExampleThe success of the project is evidenced by the high number of satisfied customers.
ExampleThe shift in public opinion is clearly evidenced by the recent polling data from across the country.
From Middle English evidence, from Old French [Term?], from Latin evidentia (“clearness, in Late Latin a proof”), from evidens (“clear, evident”); see evident.