Entry Word: substantiate

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to gain full recognition or acceptance of <substantiated his claim to local mountaineering fame with a photo of himself on the summit of Mount McKinley> — see establish 1
2 to give evidence or testimony to the truth or factualness of <Mr. MacGregor couldnʼt substantiate that it was Peter, and not some other rabbit, in the cabbage patch> — see confirm
3 to represent in visible form <the artistʼs intense feelings are substantiated by his paintingsʼ bold colors and broad brush strokes> — see embody 2
4 to show the existence or truth of by evidence <substantiate the need for a tuition increase with some concrete figures> — see prove 1