Words / C1

s-uh-b-STANSH-ee-ayt/səbˈstænʃieɪt/

To substantiate is to back a claim with facts that could prove it: substantiate that with a source. Prove is stronger (often final); support is everyday and milder. Back up is the spoken version. Unsubstantiated is a common adjective for rumours. It is a research and legal verb; in a tutorial, give evidence is enough.

Meaning

To provide facts that prove that a claim is true.

Examples

• “Can you substantiate that with a source?”
• “The paper does not substantiate its opening claim.”
• “Can you substantiate the dates from an independent record?”

Good to know

substantiate a claim with evidence. Stronger than support, short of courtroom prove. Everyday: back up.

Near in meaning

support

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