evidence

Where does the word "evidence" come from? It comes from Latin evidentia, and was adopted directly into English (1300s).

Evidence’s story begins in Latin: evidentia meant “clearness, obviousness.” Literally being seen clearly, from ex- (out) and videre (to see). It reached English by 1300s as evidence. Settled as the English word for information supporting a claim. Today, evidence means information or facts indicating whether a belief or claim is valid.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient evidentia "clearness, obviousness", literally being seen clearly, from ex- (out) and videre (to see).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1300s evidence "information indicating whether a claim is true", settled as the English word for information supporting a claim.