Evidence
/ˈɛv.ɪ.dəns/noun
The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
Did you know?In ancient times, 'evidence' was closely tied to the concept of divine judgment, where seeing was synonymous with knowing the truth beyond mere appearances.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*weid-
“to see or know”
Latin
Latin
evidentia
“clarity or obviousness, the act of seeing clearly”
Old French
Old French
evidence
“the quality of being evident or clear”
14th Century
Middle English
evidence
“a term used for proof or indication of truth”
Modern English
English
evidence
“the body of facts or information indicating whether a belief is true or valid”