Corroborate

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

UK: /kəˈrɒbəreɪt/ | US: /kəˈrɑːbəreɪt/

Definitions

1. To provide evidence or information that supports or confirms something, especially a claim, statement, or theory.

2. To strengthen or make something more certain by providing additional proof or validation.

Usage Examples

1. The witness's testimony corroborated the defendant's alibi, proving his innocence.

2. Several studies corroborate the findings, suggesting a clear link between the two variables.

Etymology

From Latin "corroborare," meaning "to strengthen" or "to make strong," from "com-" (together) and "roborare" (to strengthen). The term originally meant to make stronger or confirm, and it evolved to signify the act of providing support for something, particularly an argument or assertion.

Synonyms

Confirm, Authenticate, Support, Validate, Substantiate, Back up

Antonyms

Contradict, Disprove, Refute, Challenge, Deny

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

British English: /kəˈrɒbəreɪt/

American English: /kəˈrɑːbəreɪt/

Historical Usage

The term "corroborate" first appeared in the English language in the late 16th century, drawn from the Latin "corroborare." Historically, it was used in legal and scholarly contexts to refer to the act of strengthening or confirming claims and evidence. Over time, it has been widely adopted in both formal and informal uses to refer to the act of supporting or validating something with evidence or additional support.

Cultural Nuances

In legal contexts, "corroborate" is often used to emphasize the importance of validating testimonies, facts, and statements in court cases. The term is also significant in scientific research, where studies or data are corroborated to confirm findings and reinforce their accuracy. The concept of corroboration is deeply tied to credibility and trust, especially in situations where the truth is uncertain and requires external validation to be accepted as fact.

More Information

To corroborate something means to provide additional evidence that makes a statement or claim stronger. It is a crucial process in various fields like law, science, and history, where accuracy and truth are vital. In legal proceedings, corroborative evidence can be decisive in proving or disproving an argument, while in scientific research, corroboration ensures the reliability of findings. The word "corroborate" serves to emphasize the need for validation and support to confirm the truth of a claim, ensuring that it is well-founded and credible.