substantiate

American  

[suhb-stan-shee-eyt] / səbˈstæn ʃiˌeɪt /

verb (used with object)

substantiated, substantiating

1. to establish by proof or competent evidence.

   to substantiate a charge.

   Synonyms:

   validate, verify, confirm, prove

2. to give substantial existence to.

   to substantiate an idea through action.

3. to affirm as having substance; give body to; strengthen.

   to substantiate a friendship.

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substantiate British  

/ səbˈstænʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to establish as valid or genuine

2. to give form or real existence to

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Other Word Forms

• resubstantiate verb (used with object)
• substantiatable adjective
• substantiation noun
• substantiative adjective
• substantiator noun
• unsubstantiatable adjective

Etymology

Origin of substantiate

First recorded in 1650–60; from New Latin substantiātus (past participle of substantiāre ), equivalent to Latin substanti(a) substance + -ātus -ate ¹

Related Words

• affirm
• confirm
• corroborate
• debunk
• demonstrate
• justify
• prove
• ratify
• validate
• verify