evidence
/ˈevɪdəns/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈevɪdəns/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈe-və-dən(t)s -və-ˌden(t)s/ (ame, mw) · /ˈev.ɪ.dəns/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈev.ə.dəns/ (ame, ipa)
evidence — noun
1. any facts, information, or objects that help you decide whether a claim or situa
any facts, information, or objects that help you decide whether a claim or situation is real, accurate, or correct
There is strong evidence that regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease.
collocation: strong evidence + that-clause
The detective found no evidence to support the suspect's story.
collocation: find evidence + to-infinitive
Scientists are looking for evidence of water on the surface of Mars.
Nila collected enough evidence to prove that her research method was reliable.
All the evidence points to a single cause for the train accident.
- proof
stronger than evidence; suggests something has been shown beyond any doubt
- indication
weaker; points to a possibility rather than establishing a fact
- testimony
restricted to spoken or written statements, often in legal settings
文法句型
evidence + that-clause
evidence + of + noun phrase
evidence + for + noun phrase
verb + evidence (collect, find, gather, present)
用法筆記
Uncountable — never say 'evidences' or 'an evidence.' Use 'a piece of evidence' or 'some evidence' if a singular countable expression is needed.
常見錯誤
2. a visible or noticeable thing that clearly shows that something else exists, has
a visible or noticeable thing that clearly shows that something else exists, has happened, or is true
When the cat started hiding, that was the first evidence that something was wrong.
collocation: first evidence + that-clause
The old house showed clear evidence of having been lived in for many decades.
collocation: clear evidence of [something]
Amihan noticed evidence of mice in the kitchen — small droppings near the sink.
Tunde's happy smile was evidence that the surprise party had been a success.
- sign
more general and less formal; a sign can be very small or indirect
- indication
suggests a clue rather than a clear visible marker
- proof
stronger; implies the visible sign leaves no room for doubt
文法句型
evidence + of + noun phrase
evidence + that-clause
用法筆記
Frequently used with 'of' followed by a noun. The visible thing itself is described, not argued from — this sense says 'X is a sign of Y' rather than 'X proves Y.'
3. facts, documents, objects, or statements presented to a court or used in an offi
facts, documents, objects, or statements presented to a court or used in an official investigation to establish whether someone is guilty, innocent, or whether an account of events is correct
The lawyer presented new evidence that changed the result of the trial.
collocation: present evidence
The police stored the knife in a sealed bag as evidence for the court case.
Without solid evidence, the judge had no choice but to let the man go free.
Ramón's fingerprints on the box were the key evidence used against him.
文法句型
evidence + against + noun phrase
present / produce / introduce evidence
physical / material / forensic evidence
用法筆記
Still uncountable in this legal sense. In court, individual items are called 'items of evidence' or 'exhibits,' not 'evidences.' Common modifiers: forensic, circumstantial, physical, material.
常見錯誤
evidence — verb
- evidencepresent simple I / you / we / they
- evidences3rd person singular
- evidencing-ing form
- evidencedpast simple
1. to clearly show that something exists or is true, especially by providing facts,
to clearly show that something exists or is true, especially by providing facts, signs, or data that support the claim
The study evidences a strong link between sleep and a child's ability to learn.
transitive: evidence + noun phrase (formal)
Élise's paintings evidence a deep understanding of light and colour.
The team's success is evidenced by their three championship wins in a row.
Recent reports evidence growing concern about plastic waste in the ocean.
- show
less formal and much more common in everyday speech
- demonstrate
similar register; emphasises making something clear through action or argument
- prove
stronger; implies establishing something beyond doubt
- reveal
focuses on uncovering something previously hidden
文法句型
evidence + noun phrase
be evidenced + by + noun phrase
用法筆記
This verb is formal and appears mainly in academic, legal, or professional writing. In everyday conversation, 'show' or 'prove' is much more common. The passive form 'is evidenced by' is especially frequent in research papers.