corroboration
This term carries a strong connotation of legal or scientific validity, suggesting a process of verification where a second, independent source aligns with the first. It is far more formal than words like support or proof, typically appearing in courtrooms, academic journals, or investigative reports to describe the strengthening of a claim. As an uncountable noun in most contexts, it refers to the general state or act of confirming a theory. However, it can be used as a countable noun when referring to specific pieces of evidence, such as multiple corroborations from different witnesses.
Meanings
Evidence that confirms or supports a statement, theory, or finding.
"The witness provided corroboration for the defendant's alibi."
The act of strengthening or confirming a claim or hypothesis through additional evidence.
"The discovery of the fossil provided the necessary corroboration for the evolutionary theory."