substantiate
/səbˈstan.ʃi.eɪt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To show that something is true by giving facts, evidence, or proof. It is often used in formal or academic English.
- Can you substantiate your claim with data?
- The report substantiates the need for change.
- Her story was substantiated by witnesses.
Adinary Nuance
Substantiate is more formal than prove or show. Writers use it when facts, evidence, or research support an idea, claim, or report. It sounds careful and serious, especially in academic and business English. It is stronger and more specific than simply say or explain.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- chứng minh
- Spanish
- sustentar
- Chinese
- 证实
- Japanese
- 立証する
- Korean
- 입증하다
Etymology
From Latin substantiare, based on substantia meaning “substance” or “essence.” It entered English in the 16th century through formal writing.
Common phrases
substantiate a claimsubstantiate evidencesubstantiate allegationssubstantiate findings
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is substantiate formal or informal?
- It is formal. You will often see it in academic, legal, and business writing.
- What is the difference between substantiate and prove?
- Prove is more general. Substantiate means to support a claim with evidence, often in careful writing.
- Can I use substantiate in speaking?
- Yes, but it sounds formal. In conversation, people often say prove, show, or back up.
- How do I use substantiate in a sentence?
- Use it with a claim, idea, accusation, or finding: “The study substantiates the claim.”