substantiate
sub-STAN-shee-aytverbMeaning to support a claim with proof
Memory hook SUB-STAN-tiate: solid ground to STAND on. A claim needs something solid to stand on. Dev backs up “The pizza shrank!” with a ruler and last month’s photo. Now he can substantiate it.
Can you substantiate your claim that the cafeteria pizza is getting smaller?
In context The scientist’s bold theory was exciting, but she could not yet substantiate it; until her experiments produced solid data, other researchers stayed doubtful.
Similar prove, support, back up, confirm
Opposite disprove, refute, discredit
From substance, Latin substantia, “that which stands under”: the solid stuff beneath a thing.