English

evidence

gb/ˈɛvədəns/ us/ˈɛvədəns/
B1 English
~ 500
Senses
0 senses
Noun B1 entity
1

facts or information proving something

Information or facts that show something is true.

Usage pattern: [something] is evidence of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'evidence' with 'proof'. 'Evidence' can support a claim but may not fully prove it.
Synonyms
proof (Generally stronger and more conclusive than 'evidence', often implying certainty.) | testimony (Refers specifically to spoken or written statements as evidence, especially in court.)
Antonyms
disproof (Evidence or reasoning that shows a claim is false.) | refutation (The act of proving that something is wrong or false.)
Collocations
clear evidence |strong evidence |present evidence |lack of evidence |gather evidence
Themes
law |science |daily life |core_vocabulary
Examples
  • The police found new evidence in the case.
  • There is no evidence that the drug is harmful.
  • Her calm manner was evidence of her experience.
  • The fingerprints provided strong evidence against the suspect.
Learner examples
  • The police have new evidence.
  • I have no evidence for my idea.
  • The photo is evidence that we were there.
  • This paper has evidence of the problem.
Verb formal C1 action
2

to show or prove something clearly

To show that something is true by giving proof.

Usage pattern: to evidence [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may try to use 'evidence' as a verb in casual speech, but it is rare outside formal contexts.
Synonyms
demonstrate (More common in everyday English; can be less formal than 'evidence'.) | prove (Implies complete certainty, whereas 'evidence' may indicate strong support without absolute proof.)
Antonyms
conceal (To hide or not show evidence.) | disprove (To show that something is not true.)
Collocations
evidence a claim |evidence the need |evidence the fact
Themes
law |formal writing |communication |core_vocabulary
Examples
  • The witness's statement evidenced the truth of the report.
  • His nervous behavior evidenced his guilt.
  • The data evidences a significant change in climate patterns.
Learner examples
  • Her smile evidenced her happiness.
  • The chart evidences a big change.
  • His words evidenced his fear.
Grammar
Dictionary form
evidence
IPA
GB/ˈɛvədəns/
US/ˈɛvədəns/
Syllables & stress
evid - ence (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (evid)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: evidence
  • Plural: evidence, evidences
Verb
  • Base: evidence
  • 3rd Person Singular: evidences
  • Present Participle: evidencing
  • Past: evidenced
Word family
Forms
evidences noun evidencing verb evidenced verb
Core family
evident adjective B2 evidently adverb B2
Advanced or less common
evidential adjective evidentiary adjective C1
Expressions

give evidence

1
/ɡˈɪv ˈɛvədəns/
fixed phrase

to testify or present proof officially

To speak or present information as proof, especially in court.

Examples
  • The witness will give evidence tomorrow.
  • She gave evidence about what she saw at the scene.

in evidence

1
/ˈɪn ˈɛvədəns/
fixed phrase

clearly visible or present

Easy to see or notice.

Examples
  • Several police officers were in evidence at the event.
  • Her disappointment was clearly in evidence after the meeting.

in the light of the evidence

1
/ˈɪn ðə lˈaɪt əv ðə ˈɛvədəns/
fixed phrase formal

considering available proof or facts

When thinking about the facts that are known.

Examples
  • In the light of the evidence, we have decided to reopen the case.
  • In the light of the evidence, their decision makes sense.

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