Corroborative

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

UK: /kəˈrɒbəreɪtɪv/ | US: /kəˈrɑːbəreɪtɪv/

Definitions

1. Serving to support, confirm, or strengthen something, especially a statement or argument.

2. Providing evidence or facts that back up or validate a claim or theory.

Usage Examples

1. The corroborative evidence presented by the defense helped prove the innocence of the accused.

2. The scientist's corroborative research findings confirmed the theory's validity.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "corroborare," meaning "to strengthen or make stronger," which is composed of "com-" (together) and "roborare" (to make strong). The word "corroborative" appeared in English in the early 17th century, evolving from the Latin verb into its modern usage.

Synonyms

Confirmatory, Supportive, Substantiating, Validating, Reinforcing

Antonyms

Contradictory, Disputative, Disproving, Refutative, Denying

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

British English: /kəˈrɒbəreɪtɪv/

American English: /kəˈrɑːbəreɪtɪv/

Historical Usage

The word "corroborative" emerged in the early 17th century from the Latin root "corroborare," used in the context of strengthening or supporting an argument or statement. It gained prominence in both legal and scientific fields, where providing corroborative evidence became essential for establishing the truth and reliability of claims. The term has retained its importance across various domains, including law, research, and journalism, where corroborative evidence is necessary for validating conclusions.

Cultural Nuances

In legal contexts, corroborative evidence is often a key element in strengthening a case, especially when direct evidence is lacking. In science, corroborative findings are vital to confirming the validity of a hypothesis or experiment. The word "corroborative" carries a connotation of support, not just in a literal sense, but also in terms of trustworthiness, often influencing decisions or conclusions. Culturally, corroboration is seen as a vital mechanism for ensuring fairness, reliability, and truthfulness in various professional and societal settings.

More Information

Corroborative evidence plays a central role in many fields where the truth is paramount. In law, corroborative evidence can be the deciding factor in determining guilt or innocence, helping to establish the credibility of a case. In science, corroborative research findings support theories and contribute to advancing knowledge. The concept of corroboration is thus vital not only for ensuring accurate reporting and research but also for maintaining integrity in the legal, academic, and media fields.