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A2 noun #357 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

evidence

Top 357

At the A1 level, 'evidence' is a word you might not use every day, but you can understand it as 'proof' or 'signs' that something is true. Think about simple things you can see. If you see a wet umbrella, that is evidence that it is raining outside. If you see crumbs on a plate, that is evidence that someone ate a cookie. At this level, we focus on the idea that evidence is something we can see or hear that helps us know what happened. It is like being a little detective in your own house. You don't need big words to talk about it; you can just say 'I see evidence' when you find a clue. Remember, we don't say 'one evidence' or 'two evidences.' We just say 'some evidence.' It is a special word that stays the same even if there is a lot of it. You might hear it in simple stories or cartoons when a character finds a footprint or a lost hat. It is a very useful word for explaining why you think something is true. For example, 'I think it is cold because I see evidence of ice on the window.' This is a great way to start using more advanced English words in your daily life. Even at the beginning of your English journey, knowing a word like 'evidence' helps you sound more smart and clear when you talk about your ideas.

At the A2 level, you are starting to use 'evidence' in more common situations, like talking about news, police stories, or school projects. You understand that evidence is information that helps prove something. You might see it in sentences like 'The police found evidence at the house' or 'There is no evidence that he is lying.' At this level, it is important to remember that 'evidence' is an uncountable noun. This means you should not say 'evidences.' Instead, use 'some evidence,' 'a lot of evidence,' or 'a piece of evidence.' You can also start using it with simple adjectives like 'clear evidence' or 'good evidence.' When you watch a detective show on TV, listen for this word. They use it every time they find a clue. In school, your teacher might ask for evidence from a book to support your answer. This means you should find a sentence in the book that shows your answer is correct. Using 'evidence' helps you move beyond just giving your opinion; it shows you have reasons for what you believe. It is a bridge between a simple thought and a strong argument. Practice saying 'There is evidence of...' to describe things you notice around you. For example, 'There is evidence of a party in the park because there is trash on the ground.' This level of English is all about making your descriptions more detailed and logical.

At the B1 level, you can use 'evidence' in a wider variety of contexts, including scientific, legal, and academic discussions. You are becoming more comfortable with the idea that evidence can be both physical (like a fingerprint) and abstract (like a set of statistics). You might use phrases like 'empirical evidence' to talk about things scientists have observed, or 'circumstantial evidence' to talk about clues that suggest something but don't prove it directly. At this level, you should be careful with your collocations—the words that often go with 'evidence.' For example, you 'gather evidence,' 'present evidence,' or 'examine evidence.' You might also say that evidence 'suggests' or 'indicates' something. This shows a more nuanced understanding of how information works; you know that evidence doesn't always provide a 100% certain answer. You can also use the word in the context of 'evidence-based' decisions, which is very common in modern workplaces. For instance, 'We need to make an evidence-based decision about this new marketing plan.' This means looking at the facts and data before choosing what to do. Your writing will become much stronger when you use 'evidence' to back up your points. Instead of just saying 'I think the internet is good,' you can say 'There is significant evidence that the internet has improved global communication.' This makes your English sound more professional and persuasive.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuances of 'evidence' and be able to use it fluently in complex discussions. You understand the distinction between 'evidence' and 'proof'—that evidence is the information used to reach a conclusion, while proof is the conclusion itself. You can use a variety of sophisticated adjectives to describe evidence, such as 'compelling,' 'irrefutable,' 'flimsy,' 'scant,' or 'anecdotal.' You are also aware of the legal and formal implications of the word. For example, you might discuss whether certain evidence is 'admissible' in court or if it has been 'corroborated' by other sources. In academic writing, you can use 'evidence' to build a structured argument, citing 'primary' and 'secondary' evidence. You also understand the concept of the 'burden of proof' and how it relates to the presentation of evidence. Your ability to use 'evidence' as a verb (e.g., 'His research is evidenced by his extensive bibliography') is also developing, though you know it is quite formal. You can handle complex sentence structures like 'The lack of evidence to the contrary suggests that...' which shows a high level of logical reasoning in English. At this stage, you are not just using the word; you are using it to navigate through conflicting information and to weigh different points of view. This is a key skill for success in university-level studies or professional environments where critical thinking is required.

At the C1 level, your use of 'evidence' is sophisticated and precise. You are capable of discussing the philosophical and epistemological aspects of evidence—what constitutes valid evidence in different fields of study. You can distinguish between 'qualitative' and 'quantitative' evidence with ease and understand the strengths and weaknesses of each. You might use the word in discussions about 'confirmation bias,' where people only look for evidence that supports their existing beliefs. Your vocabulary includes highly specific terms like 'prima facie evidence' (evidence that is sufficient to establish a fact unless disproved) or 'forensic evidence.' You are also adept at using 'evidence' in idiomatic and metaphorical ways. In your writing, you can seamlessly integrate evidence into a complex narrative, using it to pivot between different arguments. You understand the subtle difference between 'evidence of' and 'evidence for' and choose the correct one instinctively. You might also explore the concept of 'suppressing evidence' in a political or historical context. Your ability to critique the quality of evidence is a hallmark of this level; you don't just accept evidence at face value but look at the methodology behind its collection. This level of mastery allows you to participate in high-level academic debates, legal discussions, or complex business negotiations where the interpretation of evidence is often the central point of contention.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'evidence' and all its related concepts. You can use the word with total flexibility across all registers, from highly technical legal or scientific discourse to subtle literary analysis. You are comfortable with the most formal uses of the word, including its rare use as a verb in academic or legal prose. You can discuss the 'weight of evidence' in a way that shows a deep understanding of probability and logic. You might use the word to discuss complex theories in the philosophy of science, such as the 'underdetermination of theory by evidence.' Your ability to use 'evidence' is characterized by precision; you know exactly when to use 'testimony,' 'data,' 'exhibit,' or 'substantiation' instead. You can also use the word in a variety of idiomatic expressions with perfect timing and context. In your own writing, you use evidence not just to support your points, but to construct a sophisticated, multi-layered argument that anticipates and addresses counter-evidence. You are also aware of the historical evolution of the word and its roots in the Latin 'evidentia,' meaning 'distinction' or 'vividness.' This deep linguistic and conceptual knowledge allows you to use 'evidence' as a powerful tool for persuasion, analysis, and expression, making your English indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

evidence en 30 secondes

Evidence is information or objects used to prove something is true or happened, essential in law, science, and daily logic.
It is an uncountable noun in English, meaning you should use 'some evidence' or 'pieces of evidence' rather than 'evidences'.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'gather', 'present', and 'examine', and adjectives like 'clear', 'strong', or 'circumstantial'.
While related to 'proof', evidence is the data that leads to a conclusion, whereas proof is the final, certain result.

The word evidence is a cornerstone of logical reasoning, scientific inquiry, and the legal justice system. At its most fundamental level, evidence refers to any body of facts or information that indicates whether a belief or proposition is true or valid. When we speak of evidence, we are talking about the 'why' behind our certainties. In a world filled with claims and opinions, evidence serves as the objective anchor that allows us to distinguish between what is merely imagined and what is demonstrably real.

Legal Context: In a courtroom, evidence is the material presented to a judge or jury to help them decide the facts of a case. This can include physical objects like a weapon, documents like a contract, or the testimony of witnesses who saw an event occur. Without sufficient evidence, a person cannot be legally held responsible for a crime, reflecting the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty.'

The prosecutor presented DNA evidence that linked the suspect directly to the scene of the crime.

In the realm of science, evidence is the data collected through observation and experimentation. A hypothesis remains just a guess until empirical evidence is gathered to support it. This process of gathering evidence is what makes science reliable; it relies on what can be measured and replicated rather than what is felt or suspected. For instance, the evidence for climate change comes from thousands of data points including ice core samples, temperature records, and satellite imagery.

Scientific Context: Empirical evidence is information acquired by observation or experimentation. Scientists record this data and use it to explain how the natural world works. The strength of a scientific theory is directly proportional to the amount and quality of the evidence supporting it.

Beyond these formal fields, we use the word evidence in our daily lives to justify our small decisions and observations. If you wake up and see the ground is wet, that is evidence that it rained overnight. If your friend is smiling while looking at their phone, that is evidence they received a pleasant message. It is a word that bridges the gap between observation and conclusion.

There was clear evidence of a struggle in the living room, with overturned chairs and broken glass.

Historical Context: Historians look for primary source evidence, such as letters, diaries, and official records, to reconstruct the past. Without this evidence, history would be nothing more than mythology or speculation.

Archaeologists found pottery shards that provided evidence of a sophisticated trade network existing three thousand years ago.

The detective admitted that while the evidence was purely circumstantial, it pointed strongly toward the butler.

In summary, evidence is the vital link between a claim and the truth. Whether you are a scientist in a lab, a lawyer in a courtroom, or a student writing an essay, your ability to identify, analyze, and present evidence is crucial for effective communication and sound reasoning.

Using the word evidence correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical behavior as an uncountable noun. Unlike 'fact' or 'clue,' which are countable, 'evidence' behaves like 'water' or 'information.' You cannot have 'an evidence' or 'three evidences.' Instead, you use quantifiers like 'some,' 'any,' 'much,' 'little,' or 'a piece of.'

Quantifiers: Correct: 'There is some evidence.' / 'There are three pieces of evidence.' Incorrect: 'There are three evidences.'

We have gathered a significant amount of evidence to support our theory about the ancient civilization.

The word often appears with specific verbs that describe the process of dealing with information. Common verbs include 'find,' 'gather,' 'collect,' 'present,' 'provide,' 'examine,' and 'weigh.' For example, a jury must 'weigh the evidence' before reaching a verdict. Scientists 'collect evidence' through experiments. If evidence is very strong, we might say it 'suggests,' 'indicates,' 'proves,' or 'demonstrates' something.

Verb Collocations: Common pairings: To suppress evidence (hide it), to corroborate evidence (support it with more facts), to lack evidence (not have enough).

The defense attorney attempted to suppress the evidence, arguing it was obtained illegally.

Adjectives also play a vital role in describing the quality of the evidence. 'Strong,' 'convincing,' 'compelling,' and 'irrefutable' describe evidence that is hard to deny. On the other hand, 'weak,' 'flimsy,' 'scant,' or 'anecdotal' describe evidence that is not very reliable. 'Anecdotal evidence' is a particularly useful term; it refers to evidence based on personal stories rather than systematic study.

Despite the lack of physical evidence, the witness's testimony was incredibly compelling to the jury.

Another common structure is 'evidence that' followed by a clause. For example, 'There is evidence that the climate is changing.' Or 'evidence of' followed by a noun, such as 'evidence of a break-in.' These structures allow you to link the evidence directly to the conclusion it supports.

Prepositional Use: Evidence FOR (supporting a claim) vs. Evidence AGAINST (opposing a claim).

The researchers found no evidence for the existence of the mythical lake in the desert.

The muddy footprints were clear evidence of someone having entered the house through the back door.

Finally, 'evidence' can be used as a verb, though it is much more formal and less common than the noun. As a verb, it means to be a sign of or to prove. For example, 'His success is evidenced by his many awards.' In most cases, however, sticking to the noun form is safer and more natural for learners. By mastering these patterns, you will be able to discuss complex ideas with clarity and precision.

You will encounter the word evidence in a wide variety of professional and social settings. Perhaps the most iconic setting is the courtroom or a police procedural television show like 'CSI' or 'Law & Order.' In these contexts, characters are constantly searching for 'forensic evidence,' 'DNA evidence,' or 'trace evidence.' You might hear a detective shout, 'Don't touch anything! You'll contaminate the evidence!' This reinforces the idea that evidence is something physical and fragile that must be protected to ensure the truth is found.

Media and Entertainment: In movies, the 'smoking gun' is a classic piece of evidence that proves guilt beyond a doubt. News reports often discuss 'mounting evidence' against a politician or a corporation during an investigation.

The news anchor reported that there was fresh evidence suggesting the company had ignored safety warnings for years.

In the academic world, 'evidence' is the currency of credibility. Whether you are in a history lecture, a biology lab, or a sociology seminar, your professors will ask, 'What is your evidence for that claim?' Academic journals are filled with phrases like 'empirical evidence,' 'statistical evidence,' and 'qualitative evidence.' Students are taught to 'cite evidence' from their sources to support their arguments in essays. This usage emphasizes that an opinion is only as good as the facts that back it up.

Academic Setting: In university, you will hear about 'evidence-based practice,' especially in fields like medicine, nursing, and education. This means making decisions based on the best available research evidence rather than tradition or intuition.

The professor reminded the students that their final papers must include at least five pieces of primary source evidence.

In everyday conversation, 'evidence' is used slightly more loosely but still carries the weight of justification. You might hear a parent say to a child, 'I see evidence of chocolate on your face, so don't tell me you didn't eat the cookies!' Or a friend might say, 'I need evidence that this new restaurant is actually good before I spend fifty dollars there.' In these cases, it’s used to demand proof or to point out the obvious signs of an action.

The empty pizza boxes in the trash were all the evidence I needed to know that my roommates had a party while I was away.

Medical Context: Doctors look for clinical evidence—symptoms and test results—to diagnose a patient. They might say, 'There is no evidence of infection in your blood work.'

The X-ray provided clear evidence of a hairline fracture in the patient's wrist.

Scientists argue that the burden of evidence lies with those who claim that ghosts exist, not those who doubt them.

Whether you are watching the news, studying for a degree, or just talking with friends, 'evidence' is a word that signals a move from speculation to fact-based discussion. It is a vital part of the vocabulary for anyone living in an information-heavy society.

The most frequent mistake learners make with the word evidence is treating it as a countable noun. Because many languages have a word for 'evidence' that can be pluralized (like 'preuves' in French or 'pruebas' in Spanish), students often say 'evidences.' However, in English, 'evidence' is uncountable. You should never add an 's' to the end of it when referring to multiple facts or items.

The Pluralization Error: Wrong: 'The police found many evidences.' Right: 'The police found much evidence' or 'The police found many pieces of evidence.'

Incorrect: We need more evidences before we can charge him. Correct: We need more evidence before we can charge him.

Another common confusion is the difference between 'evidence' and 'proof.' While they are related, they are not identical. 'Evidence' is the information that *leads* to the truth, while 'proof' is the *result* of that evidence being so strong that no doubt remains. You can have a lot of evidence that doesn't quite constitute proof. For example, 'There is evidence that he was at the scene, but it isn't proof that he committed the crime.'

Evidence vs. Proof: Evidence is the data; proof is the conclusion. Think of evidence as the ingredients and proof as the finished cake.

The detective had plenty of evidence, but he still lacked the definitive proof needed for a conviction.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the prepositions that follow 'evidence.' It is 'evidence *of*' a thing (evidence of a crime) or 'evidence *for*' a theory (evidence for evolution). Using 'evidence about' is generally considered less natural, though it is sometimes heard. Similarly, 'evidence that' is a very common and useful construction that should be practiced.

There is no evidence that the vaccine causes any long-term harm.

Article Usage: Avoid saying 'an evidence.' Instead, say 'a piece of evidence' or just 'evidence.' For example: 'This is an important piece of evidence' is better than 'This is an important evidence.'

Every piece of evidence collected at the crime scene must be carefully logged.

The witness was called to give evidence before the grand jury on Tuesday morning.

Finally, be careful with the word 'evident.' While 'evidence' is a noun, 'evident' is an adjective meaning 'obvious.' Students sometimes swap them: 'It is evidence that he is happy' (Incorrect) vs. 'It is evident that he is happy' (Correct). Understanding these distinctions will help you avoid the most common pitfalls and sound more like a native speaker.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that are similar to evidence but have slightly different nuances. The most common synonym is 'proof,' but as discussed, 'proof' is more absolute. Another close relative is 'testimony,' which specifically refers to evidence given by a person, usually in a formal setting like a court. 'Data' is the preferred term in scientific and technical contexts, referring to raw information that can be analyzed to provide evidence.

Proof vs. Evidence: Proof is the final conclusion (100% certainty). Evidence is the information that points toward that conclusion (can be 10% or 90% certain).

While we have plenty of evidence of the planet's existence, we don't yet have photographic proof.

In a legal or formal investigation, you might hear the word 'exhibit.' An exhibit is a specific piece of evidence, like a document or an object, that is officially labeled and presented in court (e.g., 'Exhibit A'). 'Clue' is a more informal word, often used in detective stories or games, referring to a small piece of evidence that helps solve a mystery. 'Indication' or 'sign' are softer words used when the evidence is not very strong or is just beginning to appear.

Clue vs. Evidence: A clue is something that helps you find the answer. Evidence is something that proves the answer once you've found it.

The detective found a small clue—a blue thread—that eventually led him to the primary evidence.

'Confirmation' and 'verification' are also useful. These words describe evidence that supports something we already suspected or believed. If you think a theory is true and you find new evidence, that evidence 'confirms' your theory. 'Corroboration' is a more formal version of this, often used when one person's story is supported by another person's story or by physical facts.

The witness's account provided crucial corroboration for the defendant's alibi.

Data vs. Evidence: Data is raw and unprocessed. Evidence is data that has been interpreted to support a specific conclusion.

The researchers spent months analyzing the raw data before they could present it as evidence of the drug's effectiveness.

The auditor requested further substantiation for the travel expenses listed in the report.

By understanding these alternatives, you can choose the word that best fits the level of formality and the specific context of your conversation or writing. Whether you need the precision of 'data,' the formality of 'corroboration,' or the simplicity of 'sign,' you now have a range of options to express the concept of evidence.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

Because the root of the word is 'videre' (to see), evidence literally means 'something that is seen out' or 'made visible'. This is why we still use it to mean things that make the truth visible to us.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈev.ɪ.dəns/

US /ˈev.ə.dəns/

First syllable: EV-i-dence

Rime avec

residence confidence providence dissidence precedence relevance (near rhyme) negligence (near rhyme) preference (near rhyme)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'c' as a 'k' (it should be an 's' sound).
Stressing the second or third syllable.
Pronouncing the final 'e' (it is silent).
Making the 'i' sound too long like 'ee'.
Adding an 's' sound at the end to make it plural (evidences).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in most texts, but can appear in complex legal or scientific contexts.

Écriture 4/5

Difficult because it is uncountable; learners often incorrectly say 'evidences'.

Expression orale 3/5

Common in daily life, but requires correct pronunciation of the 'v' and 'd' sounds.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in news and movies.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

fact true show find sign

Apprends ensuite

proof testimony hypothesis conclusion verify

Avancé

corroborate substantiate empirical admissible circumstantial

Grammaire à connaître

Uncountable Nouns

We say 'much evidence' not 'many evidences'.

Noun + That Clause

The evidence that he was there is very strong.

Noun + Of Phrase

We found evidence of a break-in.

Adjective + Noun Collocation

She presented compelling evidence.

Subject-Verb Agreement (Singular)

The evidence is (not are) clear.

Exemples par niveau

I see evidence of rain on the window.

Je vois des traces de pluie sur la fenêtre.

Evidence is uncountable here.

The dog left evidence of muddy paws on the floor.

Le chien a laissé des traces de pattes boueuses sur le sol.

Evidence means 'signs' in this context.

Is there any evidence of food in the kitchen?

Y a-t-il des signes de nourriture dans la cuisine ?

Use 'any' with evidence in questions.

The broken toy was evidence that the baby was playing.

Le jouet cassé était la preuve que le bébé jouait.

Evidence is used to show a cause.

We found some evidence of a bird's nest in the tree.

Nous avons trouvé des traces d'un nid d'oiseau dans l'arbre.

Use 'some' because evidence is uncountable.

There is no evidence of snow today.

Il n'y a aucune trace de neige aujourd'hui.

Negative sentence with 'no evidence'.

The smile on her face was evidence of her happiness.

Le sourire sur son visage était la preuve de son bonheur.

Evidence can be an abstract sign.

Look! Here is evidence of a rabbit in the garden.

Regarde ! Voici la preuve d'un lapin dans le jardin.

Evidence is used to point something out.

The police are looking for evidence at the crime scene.

La police cherche des preuves sur la scène du crime.

Common collocation: 'look for evidence'.

The teacher asked for evidence from the story.

Le professeur a demandé des preuves tirées de l'histoire.

Evidence can be a quote from a text.

He had no evidence to prove he was at home.

Il n'avait aucune preuve pour prouver qu'il était à la maison.

Evidence vs. Prove (noun vs. verb).

There is clear evidence that the climate is changing.

Il y a des preuves claires que le climat change.

Adjective 'clear' describes strong evidence.

The doctor found no evidence of a broken bone.

Le médecin n'a trouvé aucune trace de fracture.

Medical context for evidence.

The lawyer presented new evidence to the judge.

L'avocat a présenté de nouvelles preuves au juge.

Verb 'present' is used in legal contexts.

Scientists collect evidence to understand the world.

Les scientifiques recueillent des preuves pour comprendre le monde.

Verb 'collect' is common in science.

The empty wallet was evidence of the robbery.

Le portefeuille vide était la preuve du vol.

Evidence 'of' something.

The study provides strong evidence for the benefits of exercise.

L'étude fournit des preuves solides des bienfaits de l'exercice.

Evidence 'for' a theory or benefit.

The detective carefully gathered all the forensic evidence.

Le détective a soigneusement recueilli toutes les preuves médico-légales.

Adjective 'forensic' is very specific.

There is mounting evidence that the company ignored safety rules.

Il y a de plus en plus de preuves que l'entreprise a ignoré les règles de sécurité.

Adjective 'mounting' means increasing.

The witness's testimony was the only evidence they had.

Le témoignage du témoin était la seule preuve qu'ils avaient.

Testimony is a type of evidence.

Researchers are looking for empirical evidence to support the claim.

Les chercheurs cherchent des preuves empiriques pour soutenir l'affirmation.

Empirical evidence is based on observation.

The lack of evidence led to the suspect's release.

Le manque de preuves a conduit à la libération du suspect.

Phrase: 'lack of evidence'.

He presented anecdotal evidence from his own experience.

Il a présenté des preuves anecdotiques tirées de sa propre expérience.

Anecdotal evidence is based on stories, not data.

The archaeological site contained evidence of an ancient city.

Le site archéologique contenait des traces d'une ville antique.

Evidence 'of' a historical fact.

The jury must weigh the evidence before making a decision.

Le jury doit peser les preuves avant de prendre une décision.

Metaphorical verb 'weigh'.

There is irrefutable evidence that the painting is a forgery.

Il existe des preuves irréfutables que le tableau est un faux.

Adjective 'irrefutable' means it cannot be denied.

The defense tried to suppress key evidence during the trial.

La défense a tenté de supprimer des preuves clés pendant le procès.

Verb 'suppress' means to hide or prevent from being used.

The results of the experiment corroborated the existing evidence.

Les résultats de l'expérience ont corroboré les preuves existantes.

Verb 'corroborate' means to support with more evidence.

The report was criticized for relying on flimsy evidence.

Le rapport a été critiqué pour s'être appuyé sur des preuves fragiles.

Adjective 'flimsy' means weak or unconvincing.

The suspect's DNA was found on the evidence collected at the scene.

L'ADN du suspect a été retrouvé sur les preuves recueillies sur les lieux.

Evidence can refer to the physical objects themselves.

There is scant evidence to suggest that the plan will work.

Il y a peu de preuves suggérant que le plan fonctionnera.

Adjective 'scant' means very little.

The historian examined the primary source evidence in the archives.

L'historien a examiné les preuves de source primaire dans les archives.

Primary source evidence is original material.

The philosopher argued that sensory evidence is often unreliable.

Le philosophe a soutenu que les preuves sensorielles sont souvent peu fiables.

Sensory evidence comes from the five senses.

The prosecution failed to provide prima facie evidence of intent.

L'accusation n'a pas réussi à fournir de preuves prima facie de l'intention.

Latin term 'prima facie' means 'at first sight'.

The sheer volume of evidence against him was overwhelming.

Le volume considérable de preuves contre lui était accablant.

Phrase: 'sheer volume of evidence'.

The theory is well-supported by a wealth of circumstantial evidence.

La théorie est bien étayée par une multitude de preuves circonstancielles.

Circumstantial evidence requires inference.

The judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible due to a technicality.

Le juge a statué que la preuve était irrecevable en raison d'une formalité technique.

Adjective 'inadmissible' means it cannot be used in court.

The company's success is evidenced by its rapidly growing market share.

Le succès de l'entreprise est mis en évidence par sa part de marché en croissance rapide.

Using 'evidence' as a verb (formal).

We must be wary of confirmation bias when evaluating new evidence.

Nous devons nous méfier du biais de confirmation lors de l'évaluation de nouvelles preuves.

Confirmation bias is a psychological concept.

The discovery of the scroll provided compelling evidence for the theory.

La découverte du parchemin a fourni des preuves convaincantes en faveur de la théorie.

Adjective 'compelling' means very persuasive.

The epistemological status of testimonial evidence is a subject of debate.

Le statut épistémologique des preuves testimoniales est un sujet de débat.

Epistemology is the study of knowledge.

The intricate patterns in the data constitute compelling evidence of a systemic flaw.

Les schémas complexes dans les données constituent une preuve convaincante d'un défaut systémique.

Verb 'constitute' is used to define what the evidence is.

One must carefully adjudicate the conflicting evidence presented by both parties.

Il faut juger avec soin les preuves contradictoires présentées par les deux parties.

Verb 'adjudicate' means to make a formal judgment.

The absence of evidence is not necessarily evidence of absence.

L'absence de preuve n'est pas nécessairement une preuve d'absence.

A famous logical aphorism.

The author masterfully weaves together disparate strands of evidence into a coherent narrative.

L'auteur tisse de main de maître des fils de preuves disparates en un récit cohérent.

Metaphorical use of 'weaving evidence'.

The prosecution's case rested on a fragile foundation of hearsay and circumstantial evidence.

L'accusation reposait sur un fondement fragile de ouï-dire et de preuves circonstancielles.

Hearsay is evidence based on what others have said.

The scientific community remains skeptical, citing a lack of reproducible evidence.

La communauté scientifique reste sceptique, citant un manque de preuves reproductibles.

Reproducible evidence is a key scientific standard.

The policy was revised in light of burgeoning evidence regarding its negative impact.

La politique a été révisée à la lumière des preuves bourgeonnantes concernant son impact négatif.

Adjective 'burgeoning' means growing quickly.

Synonymes

proof data facts clues indication

Antonymes

disproof denial contradiction

Collocations courantes

gather evidence

clear evidence

circumstantial evidence

present evidence

lack of evidence

forensic evidence

empirical evidence

piece of evidence

weigh the evidence

suppress evidence

Phrases Courantes

in the face of evidence

on the evidence of

give evidence

mounting evidence

scant evidence

anecdotal evidence

hard evidence

evidence-based

no evidence to suggest

admissible evidence

Souvent confondu avec

evidence vs evident

Evident is an adjective meaning 'obvious'. Evidence is the noun. Don't say 'It is evidence that...', say 'It is evident that...'.

evidence vs proof

Proof is the final result; evidence is the information that leads to it. You can have evidence without proof.

evidence vs fact

A fact is a single piece of truth. Evidence is a collection of facts used to support a specific claim.

Expressions idiomatiques

"the smoking gun"

A piece of evidence that proves a crime or bad act beyond any doubt. It is the ultimate proof.

The leaked email was the smoking gun that proved the CEO knew about the fraud.

informal/journalistic

"the proof is in the pudding"

The real value or truth of something can only be judged by trying it or seeing the results. Related to evidence of success.

He says the new system is faster, but the proof is in the pudding.

informal

"beyond a reasonable doubt"

The standard of evidence required to convict someone of a crime. It means the evidence is very strong.

The jury found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

legal

"open and shut case"

A case where the evidence is so clear that it can be decided very quickly. No debate is needed.

With three witnesses and a video, it's an open and shut case.

informal/legal

"burden of proof"

The responsibility to provide evidence to prove a claim. Usually lies with the person making the claim.

The burden of proof lies with the prosecution in a criminal trial.

formal/legal

"circumstances alter cases"

The evidence and facts of a situation can change how it is judged. Context matters.

He stole food, but he was starving; circumstances alter cases.

literary

"to bear witness"

To provide evidence or testimony about something. Often used in a more serious or spiritual sense.

The ruins bear witness to the city's former glory.

formal/literary

"to stand to reason"

To be logical based on the available evidence. It is a way of saying something is obvious.

It stands to reason that if you don't study, you won't pass.

neutral

"weight of evidence"

The total amount of evidence favoring one side of an argument. It suggests a balance.

The weight of evidence suggests that the new law has been effective.

formal

"caught red-handed"

To be caught in the act of doing something wrong, providing immediate and undeniable evidence.

He was caught red-handed with his hand in the cookie jar.

informal

Facile à confondre

evidence vs proof

Both relate to truth.

Evidence is the data; proof is the final conclusion. Evidence can be weak or strong, but proof is absolute.

The fingerprints are evidence, but they aren't proof he committed the murder.

evidence vs clue

Both help solve mysteries.

A clue is a hint that helps you find the answer. Evidence is the formal information used to prove the answer.

The red hair was a clue that led the police to the DNA evidence.

evidence vs testimony

Both are used in court.

Testimony is specifically evidence given by a person speaking. Evidence is a broader category including objects and data.

The witness's testimony was the most powerful evidence in the trial.

evidence vs data

Both are used in science.

Data is raw information. Evidence is data that has been used to support a specific point.

We collected the data, and now we are using it as evidence for our theory.

evidence vs sign

Both indicate something.

A sign is often more casual or natural. Evidence is more formal and used for proving things.

The dark clouds are a sign of rain; the wet ground is evidence that it rained.

Structures de phrases

There is [noun] evidence.

There is some evidence.

There is evidence of [noun].

There is evidence of rain.

There is evidence that [clause].

There is evidence that she is happy.

[Adjective] evidence suggests [clause].

Strong evidence suggests the plan will fail.

In light of the [adjective] evidence...

In light of the mounting evidence, we must act.

The [noun] is evidenced by [noun].

The shift in policy is evidenced by the new budget.

A piece of evidence.

He found a crucial piece of evidence.

Lack of evidence.

The case was closed for lack of evidence.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in academic, legal, and news contexts.

Erreurs courantes

I have many evidences. → I have much evidence / I have many pieces of evidence.
Evidence is uncountable. You cannot pluralize it with an 's'.
This is an important evidence. → This is an important piece of evidence.
You cannot use 'an' directly with an uncountable noun like evidence.
The evidence are clear. → The evidence is clear.
Uncountable nouns always take a singular verb.
It is evidence that he is guilty. → It is evident that he is guilty.
Use the adjective 'evident' to mean 'obvious', not the noun 'evidence'.
He gave evidence about the crime. → He gave evidence of the crime.
The preposition 'of' or 'for' is much more common and natural than 'about'.

Astuces

Uncountable Rule

Never add an 's' to evidence. It is always singular in form, even if you are talking about a thousand facts. Use 'much' or 'some' instead of 'many'.

Adjective Choice

Use 'compelling' when the evidence is very persuasive. It sounds much more advanced than just saying 'good' or 'strong'.

Academic Tone

In essays, use 'The evidence suggests...' instead of 'The evidence proves...'. This shows that you understand science and logic are rarely 100% certain.

Pronunciation

Make sure to stress the first syllable: EV-i-dence. If you stress the middle, people might not understand you.

Evidence vs. Opinion

Always distinguish between what you feel (opinion) and what you can show (evidence). This will make your arguments much stronger.

Admissibility

In a legal context, not all evidence can be used. If it was found illegally, it is 'inadmissible'. This is a great C1 level word to know.

Empirical Evidence

When talking about science, use the term 'empirical evidence'. It refers to evidence gathered through direct observation or experiment.

Lack of Evidence

Use the phrase 'lack of evidence' when there isn't enough information. It's a very common and natural-sounding expression.

Visual Tip

Imagine a detective's 'Evidence Bag'. You can put many things in it, but it's still just one 'bag of evidence'.

Formal Verb

If you want to sound very formal, use 'evidenced by'. For example: 'The growth is evidenced by the sales figures'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the word 'EVIDENCE' as 'Every Video Is Direct Evidence'. Imagine a video camera capturing a crime—it makes the truth 'evident' or easy to see.

Association visuelle

Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass looking at a giant letter 'E' on the ground. The 'E' stands for Evidence, and he is examining it to solve the mystery.

Word Web

Proof Court Science Facts DNA Witness Data Clue

Défi

Try to find three pieces of 'evidence' in your room right now that prove you were there today (e.g., a used coffee cup, an open book, a pair of shoes).

Origine du mot

The word 'evidence' comes from the Old French word 'evidence', which in turn stems from the Latin 'evidentia'. This Latin word was used by Cicero to translate the Greek philosophical term 'enargeia', which means 'vividness' or 'distinctness'.

Sens originel : In Latin, 'evidentia' literally meant 'a being clear, plain, or visible'. It comes from 'evidens', meaning 'obvious' or 'apparent', which is formed from 'e-' (out) and 'videre' (to see).

Indo-European (Latin branch)

Contexte culturel

Be careful when discussing 'evidence' in sensitive legal cases or personal disputes, as it implies a search for truth that might be painful.

In the UK and US, 'giving evidence' is a formal term for testifying in court. It is a serious civic duty.

The Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle (focus on minute physical evidence). The O.J. Simpson trial (famous for its focus on DNA and glove evidence). The phrase 'The evidence of things not seen' from the Bible (Hebrews 11:1).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Legal/Police

crime scene evidence
admissible in court
DNA evidence
plant evidence

Science/Research

empirical evidence
experimental data
evidence-based research
lack of evidence

Academic Writing

cite evidence
supporting evidence
primary source evidence
weigh the evidence

Daily Life

clear evidence
no evidence of
see evidence of
hard evidence

News/Media

mounting evidence
uncovered evidence
conflicting evidence
compelling evidence

Amorces de conversation

"What is the most interesting piece of evidence you've ever seen in a movie?"

"Do you think we have enough evidence to prove that aliens exist?"

"How much evidence do you need before you trust a new friend?"

"What kind of evidence would convince you to change your mind about a political issue?"

"Have you ever found evidence that someone was lying to you?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time you found evidence of something surprising in your own home.

Discuss the importance of evidence-based decision making in your professional life.

If you were a detective, what kind of evidence would you look for first at a crime scene?

Reflect on a belief you hold. What evidence do you have to support that belief?

Write a short story where a single piece of evidence changes everything for the main character.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

In English, 'evidence' is uncountable. This means you cannot say 'one evidence' or 'many evidences.' Instead, you should use 'some evidence,' 'much evidence,' or 'pieces of evidence.' For example, 'The police found three pieces of evidence' is correct, while 'The police found three evidences' is incorrect.

Evidence is the information or facts that point toward a conclusion. Proof is the state of being certain that something is true because of the evidence. You can have a lot of evidence that still doesn't constitute absolute proof. Think of evidence as the clues and proof as the final answer.

Yes, 'evidence' can be used as a verb in very formal contexts, meaning 'to be evidence of' or 'to prove.' For example, 'His success is evidenced by his wealth.' However, this is much less common than the noun form and is usually found in academic or legal writing.

Common adjectives include 'clear,' 'strong,' 'compelling,' 'irrefutable,' 'circumstantial,' 'forensic,' 'empirical,' and 'anecdotal.' These help describe the quality and type of information being presented.

In an essay, you should use evidence to support your arguments. Common phrases include 'There is significant evidence to suggest that...', 'This is evidenced by...', or 'The evidence for this claim can be found in...'. Always make sure to cite where your evidence came from.

Circumstantial evidence is evidence that suggests something happened but doesn't prove it directly. For example, if you see someone running away from a broken window with a ball, that is circumstantial evidence they broke the window. You didn't see them do it, but the circumstances suggest they did.

Most of the time, yes. In 99% of daily conversation, 'evidence' is a noun. As mentioned before, it can be a verb, but it is rare and formal. It is never an adjective (the adjective form is 'evident').

Anecdotal evidence is based on personal stories or individual examples rather than scientific data or systematic study. While it can be interesting, it is usually considered less reliable than scientific evidence because it might not represent the whole truth.

The 'burden of proof' is the legal or logical requirement that one side must provide the evidence to prove their case. In a criminal trial, the burden of proof is on the prosecution to prove the defendant is guilty.

Yes! Since 'evidence' is uncountable, 'a piece of evidence' is the standard way to refer to one specific item or fact. For example, 'The bloody glove was a crucial piece of evidence.'