What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
circumstantiate
Example
The witness was able to circumstantiate her testimony with photographs and documents. [circumstantiate: verb]
Example
The detective gathered enough evidence to circumstantiate the suspect's alibi. [circumstantiate: verb]
corroborate
Example
The DNA evidence corroborated the witness's account of the crime. [corroborated: past tense verb]
Example
Multiple witnesses were able to corroborate the victim's story. [corroborate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Corroborate is more commonly used than circumstantiate in everyday language. Corroborate is a widely recognized term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while circumstantiate is less common and typically used in more specialized or technical situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between circumstantiate and corroborate?
While circumstantiate is more formal and often used in legal or academic contexts, corroborate is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal settings.
