corroborate
What does "corroborate" mean?
To corroborate means to provide evidence or information that supports or confirms a statement, theory, or finding. The mental image is that of a foundation being reinforced or a witness standing beside another to verify their story; it is the act of strengthening an argument with additional proof. In usage, this word is primarily found in formal, academic, legal, or journalistic contexts. You would rarely use it in casual conversation; instead of saying "corroborate," you might simply say "back up" or "confirm." It is commonly paired with nouns like "evidence," "testimony," or "claims."
"corroborate" in conversation
Legal investigation
Do we have anything to corroborate his alibi?
Do we have anything to corroborate his alibi?
The security footage matches his timeline perfectly.
The security footage matches his timeline perfectly.
Used here to describe verifying a claim with physical evidence.
Academic peer review
Your data is intriguing, but it needs to be corroborated by a second study.
Your data is intriguing, but it needs to be corroborated by a second study.
I understand, I am currently running a follow-up experiment.
I understand, I am currently running a follow-up experiment.
Common in scientific contexts where results must be reproducible.
"corroborate" in a sentence
Several witnesses corroborated the victim's account of the accident.
Several witnesses corroborated the victim's account of the accident.
The forensic analysis served to corroborate the detective’s theory about the suspect.
The forensic analysis served to corroborate the detective’s theory about the suspect.
Despite the rumors, no empirical data has yet emerged to corroborate the existence of the phenomenon.
Despite the rumors, no empirical data has yet emerged to corroborate the existence of the phenomenon.
