evidence

Evidence is proof that something has happened. A person who says something is true needs to show evidence.

• Lawyers who want to show that a suspect has committed a crime produce evidence.
• A broken window is evidence that someone broke it. (It didn’t break itself.)
• Climate scientists have gathered enough evidence to indicate that the planet is getting warmer.
• There’s still not enough evidence to indicate that self-driving cars are absolutely safe everywhere.

The word "evident" is an adjective.

• It’s quite evident that Tom is failing in school.
• It should be evident to all concerned that this plan isn’t working.
• The differences in housing and the quality of life for rich people and poor people are very evident.

A lawyer produces evidence in order to prove that a suspect is guilty or innocent.

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Date of publication: October 5, 2016