substantiate

/səbˌstæntʃiˈeɪt/

/səbˈstæntʃieɪt/

Other forms: substantiated; substantiating; substantiates

To substantiate is to give support to a claim. We’d really like to believe in the Tooth Fairy; however, more evidence is needed to substantiate her existence (besides that quarter in your pocket).

Substantiate is related to the word substantial, which means "solid." So, to substantiate a claim is to make it solid or believable. If the evidence given in support of an argument is weak and unconvincing, that evidence can be described as insubstantial. Of course, in special cases like the Tooth Fairy, having substantial evidence doesn’t seem to matter; fans just keep on believing.

Definitions of substantiate

1. verb

   establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts
   synonyms: affirm, confirm, corroborate, support, sustain

   types:

   back, back up

   establish as valid or genuine

   vouch

   give supporting evidence

   verify

   confirm the truth of

   demonstrate, establish, prove, shew, show

   establish the validity of something, as by an example, explanation or experiment

   document

   support or supply with references

   validate

   prove valid; show or confirm the validity of something

   check, check off, mark, mark off, tick, tick off

   put a check mark on or near or next to

   ascertain, assure, check, control, ensure, insure, see, see to it

   be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something

   check

   verify by consulting a source or authority

   prove oneself

   show one's ability or courage

   prove

   prove formally; demonstrate by a mathematical, formal proof

   source

   specify the origin of

   contradict, negate

   prove negative; show to be false

   stultify

   prove to be of unsound mind or demonstrate someone's incompetence
2. verb

   represent in bodily form
   “The painting substantiates the feelings of the artist”

   synonyms: body forth, embody, incarnate

   type of:

   be

   have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)
3. verb

   solidify, firm, or strengthen
   “The president's trip will substantiate good relations with the former enemy country”

   type of:

   beef up, fortify, strengthen

   make strong or stronger
4. verb

   make real or concrete; give reality or substance to
   “our ideas must be substantiated into actions”

   synonyms: actualise, actualize, realise, realize

   types:

   incarnate

   make concrete and real

   express

   manifest the effects of (a gene or genetic trait)

   type of:

   create, make

   make or cause to be or to become