# evidence

/ˈɛvədəns/ (US) · /ˈɛvɪdəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/evidence
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. proof or signs

noun · CEFR B1

facts or information that help you believe something is true or exists.

For teachers: the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid. Uncountable in general usage.

- There is no clear evidence that the new law has reduced crime in the city.
- Researchers have gathered substantial evidence suggesting that regular exercise significantly improves cognitive function in older adults.

Usage: This noun is uncountable and does not have a plural form.

### 2. legal proof

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

information or objects shown in a court of law to prove if someone is guilty.

For teachers: 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.

- The judge ruled that the bloody glove could be used as evidence during the trial.
- The prosecution struggled to build a convincing case after the key witness's testimony was dismissed as hearsay evidence.

Usage: Often used with verbs like 'admit', 'suppress', or 'present'.

### 3. to show or prove

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

to show clearly that something exists or is true.

For teachers: to provide evidence for or to be a sign of something. Transitive verb requiring a direct object.

- The success of the project is evidenced by the high number of satisfied customers.
- The shift in public opinion is clearly evidenced by the recent polling data from across the country.

## Examples

- The police found evidence of the crime.
- Researchers are looking for scientific evidence to prove that the new medicine is safe for everyone.
- The prosecution presented compelling forensic evidence, including DNA samples and security footage, to establish the defendant's presence at the scene during the time of the incident.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.