evidence

[ ev-i-duhns ]

noun

1. that which tends to prove or disprove something; ground for belief; proof.
2. something that makes plain or clear; an indication or sign:

   His flushed look was visible evidence of his fever.

3. Law. data presented to a court or jury in proof of the facts in issue and which may include the testimony of witnesses, records, documents, or objects.

   Synonyms: affidavit, deposition, information

verb (used with object)

, ev·i·denced, ev·i·denc·ing.

1. to make evident or clear; show clearly; manifest:

   He evidenced his approval by promising his full support.

   Synonyms: demonstrate

2. to support by evidence:

   He evidenced his accusation with incriminating letters.

evidence

/ ˈɛvɪdəns /

noun

1. ground for belief or disbelief; data on which to base proof or to establish truth or falsehood
2. a mark or sign that makes evident; indication

   his pallor was evidence of ill health

3. law matter produced before a court of law in an attempt to prove or disprove a point in issue, such as the statements of witnesses, documents, material objects, etc See also circumstantial evidence direct evidence
4. turn queen's evidence or turn king's evidence or turn state's evidence
   (of an accomplice) to act as witness for the prosecution and testify against those associated with him in crime
5. in evidence
   on display; apparent; conspicuous

   her new ring was in evidence

verb

1. to make evident; show clearly
2. to give proof of or evidence for

Other Words From

• counter·evi·dence noun
• pre·evi·dence noun
• re·evi·dence verb (used with object) reevidenced reevidencing
• super·evi·dence noun
• un·evi·denced adjective
• well-evi·denced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of evidence¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English noun from Middle French, from Latin ēvidentia; evident, -ence

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in evidence, plainly visible; conspicuous:

   The first signs of spring are in evidence.

More idioms and phrases containing evidence

see in evidence ; much in evidence .

Synonym Study

Evidence, exhibit, testimony, proof refer to information furnished in a legal investigation to support a contention. Evidence is any information so given, whether furnished by witnesses or derived from documents or from any other source: Hearsay evidence is not admitted in a trial. An exhibit in law is a document or article that is presented in court as evidence: The signed contract is Exhibit A. Testimony is usually evidence given by witnesses under oath: The jury listened carefully to the testimony. Proof is evidence that is so complete and convincing as to put a conclusion beyond reasonable doubt: proof of the innocence of the accused.

Example Sentences

In July, the legal case against Baldwin, who was on trial for manslaughter, was dismissed due to the prosecution's failure to turn over evidence to the defense.

From Salon

The Civil Service Commission launched the probe in August after Conservatives said appointments to the new Labour government were evidence of a "culture of cronyism".

From BBC

Ibarra’s lawyers had argued that evidence linking him to Ms Riley’s death was “circumstantial”.

From BBC

In July, a judge dismissed an involuntary manslaughter case against Baldwin after police and prosecutors withheld evidence from the defence.

From BBC

Her former husband, an ex-police officer, and her lawyer, were handed prison terms of one year and four months, and two years respectively, for hiding evidence to help her evade prosecution.

From BBC

Related Words

• demonstrate
• evince
• illustrate
• indicate
• manifest
• signify
• testify to