Substantiates

Substantiates is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb substantiate. To substantiate means to provide evidence that establishes the truth, validity, or credibility of a claim, hypothesis, or assertion. Substantiates can be used to describe an action that makes a claim more credible by supplying supporting data, records, or testimony.

In practice, substantiating a claim involves presenting credible sources, such as documentary evidence, experimental results, or expert testimony. The term is widely used in law, journalism, science, auditing, and everyday discourse to indicate that a position has been supported by verifiable information. Substantiation is often contrasted with mere assertion; a substantiated statement has backing that can be examined or verified.

Nuance matters: substantiation does not always imply absolute proof, but it implies sufficient supporting evidence to reduce doubt or meet a standard of credibility within a given context. The strength of substantiation depends on the quality, relevance, and reliability of the supporting materials, as well as the standards applicable to the field or situation.

Etymology and related forms: substantiates derives from the verb substantiate, which comes from Latin substantia meaning substance, with the form adapted into English through later usage. Related terms include substantiation (the act or process of substantiating) and substantiated (describing something that has been supported by evidence).

See also: evidence, proof, verification, corroboration.