substantiate

[suhb-stan-shee-eyt]

verb (used with object)

substantiated, substantiating 

1. to establish by proof or competent evidence.

   to substantiate a charge.

   Synonyms: validate, verify, confirm, prove

2. to give substantial existence to.

   to substantiate an idea through action.

3. to affirm as having substance; give body to; strengthen.

   to substantiate a friendship.

substantiate

/ səbˈstænʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to establish as valid or genuine

2. to give form or real existence to

Other Word Forms

• substantiator noun
• substantiation noun
• substantiative adjective
• substantiatable adjective
• resubstantiate verb (used with object)
• unsubstantiatable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of substantiate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from New Latin substantiātus (past participle of substantiāre ), equivalent to Latin substanti(a) substance + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of substantiate¹

C17: from New Latin substantiāre, from Latin substantia _substance

Example Sentences

He also said the prosecution had not provided enough evidence to substantiate their claims.

From BBC

Last month, a report by the show's production company revealed that more than 40 complaints against Wallace had been upheld, while a claim that Torode had used a severely offensive racist term was also substantiated.

From BBC

More than 200 substantiated reports of abuse were also recorded there in 2014, according to inspections by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority - although these may have included incidents where patients abused staff.

From BBC

That inquiry also says that 10 standalone allegations were made against other people, two of which were substantiated.

From BBC

To be clear, the Lakers do not want to trade him, and there’s been no substantiated talk about trading him.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affirm 
• confirm 
• corroborate 
• debunk 
• demonstrate 
• justify 
• prove 
• ratify 
• validate 
• verify