evidence

1 of 2

noun

ev·​i·​dence ˈe-və-dən(t)s 

-və-ˌden(t)s

1

a

: an outward sign : indication

b

: something that furnishes proof : testimony

specifically : something legally submitted to a tribunal to ascertain the truth of a matter

2

: one who bears witness

especially : one who voluntarily confesses a crime and testifies for the prosecution against one's accomplices

evidence

2 of 2

verb

evidenced; evidencing

transitive verb

: to offer evidence of : prove, evince

Phrases

in evidence

1

: to be seen : conspicuous

trim lawns … are everywhere in evidence

—Amer. Guide Series: N.C.

2

: as evidence

Synonyms

Noun

• proof
• testimony
• documentation

Choose the Right Synonym for evidence

show, manifest, evidence, evince, demonstrate mean to reveal outwardly or make apparent.

show is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words.

careful not to show his true feelings

manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation.

manifested musical ability at an early age

evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something.

a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service

evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs.

evinced not the slightest fear

demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling.

demonstrated their approval by loud applause

Examples of evidence in a Sentence

Noun

There is no evidence that these devices actually work.

He has been unable to find evidence to support his theory.

Investigators could find no evidence linking him to the crime.

The jury had a great deal of evidence to sort through before reaching a verdict.

There is not a scrap of evidence in her favor.

Anything you say may be used as evidence against you.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Slade said police dragged their feet in investigating firework attacks and dropped the case after three weeks for lack of evidence. —Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025

When asked if the efforts would be used to facilitate immigration enforcement or criminal prosecution, a spokesperson for the Indiana Secretary of State's office said local election officials should forward evidence of noncitizen voting to law enforcement. —Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 8 July 2025

Verb

But even after so much time, there's still room for the Grammy winner to grow, as evidenced by her latest full-length, Virgin. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

Fitzgerald clearly didn’t want to lose him, and Allen clearly didn’t want to leave, as evidenced by his five-year extension. —Peter Baugh, New York Times, 9 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1601, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing evidence

• anecdotal evidence
• circumstantial evidence
• counter-evidence
• give evidence
• hearsay evidence
• indirect evidence
• self-evidence
• state's evidence
• turn king's evidence
• turn Queen's evidence
• turn state's evidence

Kids Definition

evidence

1 of 2 noun

ev·​i·​dence ˈev-əd-ən(t)s 

-ə-ˌden(t)s

1

: an outward sign : indication

evidence of the life of ancient people

gave no evidence that he was going to bunt

2

: material presented to a court to help find the truth in a matter

evidence

2 of 2 verb

evidenced; evidencing

: to be or give evidence of : prove

Legal Definition

evidence

1 of 2 noun

ev·​i·​dence ˈe-və-dəns, -ˌdens 

: something that furnishes or tends to furnish proof

especially : something (as testimony, writings, or objects) presented at a judicial or administrative proceeding for the purpose of establishing the truth or falsity of an alleged matter of fact see also admissible, best evidence rule, exclusionary rule, exhibit, foundation, objection, preponderance of the evidence, relevant, scintilla, state's evidence, suppress, testimony, witness, Federal Rules of Evidence compare allegation, argument, proof

— best evidence

: evidence that is the most reliable and most direct in relationship to what it is offered to prove see also best evidence rule

— character evidence

: evidence of a particular human trait (as honesty or peacefulness) of a party or witness see also character witness at witness

Note: Under the Federal Rules of Evidence, character evidence generally may not be used to prove that a person acted in accordance with that character. It is admissible for that purpose, however, if a criminal defendant offers it about himself or herself or about the victim, or if the prosecution offers evidence to rebut the defendant's evidence in either of those circumstances. The prosecution may also rebut a claim of self-defense by presenting evidence of the peaceful character of the victim. Additionally, the character of a witness with regard to truthfulness may be attacked or supported by opinion or by evidence of reputation.

— circumstantial evidence

: evidence that tends to prove a factual matter by proving other events or circumstances from which the occurrence of the matter at issue can be reasonably inferred compare direct evidence in this entry

— clear and convincing evidence

: evidence showing a high probability of truth of the factual matter at issue compare preponderance of the evidence, reasonable doubt

— communicative evidence \ kə-​ˈmyü-​nə-​kə-​tiv-​, -​ˌkā-​tiv-​ \

: testimonial evidence in this entry

— competent evidence

: evidence that is admissible, relevant, and material to the factual matter at issue

— corroborating evidence

: evidence that is independent of and different from but that supplements and strengthens evidence already presented as proof of a factual matter

called also corroborative evidence

compare cumulative evidence in this entry

— cumulative evidence

: evidence that is of the same kind as evidence already offered as proof of the same factual matter compare corroborating evidence in this entry

— demonstrative evidence

: evidence in the form of objects (as maps, diagrams, or models) that has in itself no probative value but is used to illustrate and clarify the factual matter at issue

broadly : physical evidence in this entry

called also illustrative evidence

— derivative evidence

: evidence obtained as a result of the unlawful gathering of primary evidence

called also indirect evidence, secondary evidence

see also fruit of the poisonous tree

— direct evidence

: evidence that if believed immediately establishes the factual matter to be proved by it without the need for inferences

especially : evidence of a factual matter offered by a witness whose knowledge of the matter was obtained through the use of his or her senses (as sight or hearing) compare circumstantial evidence in this entry

— evidence in chief

: evidence that is to be used by a party in making its case in chief

— exculpatory evidence

: evidence that tends to clear a defendant from fault or guilt see also brady material

Note: The prosecution in a criminal case is obligated to disclose to the defense any exculpatory evidence in its possession.

— extrinsic evidence

: evidence regarding an agreement that is not included in the written version of the agreement

Note: A court may use extrinsic evidence to make sense of an ambiguity in a writing subject to some limitations.

: evidence about a witness's character obtained from the testimony of other witnesses rather than from cross-examination of the witness himself or herself

Note: A witness may not be impeached by the use of extrinsic evidence.

— hearsay evidence

: a statement made out of court and not under oath and offered in evidence as proof that what is stated is true : hearsay

— illustrative evidence

: demonstrative evidence in this entry

— impeachment evidence

: evidence that may be used to impeach a witness because it tends to harm the witness's credibility

— indirect evidence

: derivative evidence in this entry

— intrinsic evidence

: evidence that exists within a writing

the will contains ample intrinsic evidence of the testator's intent

—Stoner v. Custer, 251 N.E.2d 668 (1968)

compare extrinsic evidence in this entry

— material evidence

: evidence that is likely to affect the determination of a matter or issue

specifically : evidence that warrants reopening of a claim or reversal of a conviction because but for the circumstance that the evidence was unavailable the outcome of the first proceeding would have been different

— no evidence

: evidence presented that is insufficient to prove a matter of especially vital fact : a point of error that insufficient evidence has been presented to support a finding

— parol evidence

: evidence of matters spoken (as an oral agreement) that are related to but not included in a writing see also parol evidence rule

— physical evidence

: tangible evidence (as a weapon, document, or visible injury) that is in some way related to the incident that gave rise to the case

called also real evidence

compare demonstrative evidence and testimonial evidence in this entry

— presumptive evidence

: prima facie evidence in this entry

— prima facie evidence

: evidence that is sufficient to prove a factual matter at issue and justify a favorable judgment on that issue unless rebutted

— primary evidence

: best evidence in this entry

: evidence obtained as a direct result of an unlawful search

— real evidence

: physical evidence in this entry

— rebuttal evidence

: evidence that tends to refute or discredit an opponent's evidence

— relevant evidence

: evidence that tends to prove or disprove any issue of fact that is of consequence to the case

— secondary evidence

: derivative evidence in this entry

— substantial evidence

: evidence greater than a scintilla of evidence that a reasonable person would find sufficient to support a conclusion

— substantive evidence

: evidence offered to prove a factual issue rather than merely for impeachment

— testimonial evidence

: evidence given in writing or speech or in another way that expresses the person's thoughts compare physical evidence in this entry

Note: Only testimonial evidence is protected by the Fifth Amendment's privilege against self-incrimination.

evidence

2 of 2 transitive verb

evidenced; evidencing

: to provide evidence of

Etymology

Noun

Medieval Latin evidentia, from Latin, that which is obvious, from evident-, evidens clear, obvious, from e- out of, from + videns, present participle of videre to see