[Vocabulary] proof vs evidence vs testament

[mokbon]

Hello

proof vs evidence vs testament

1. I need a proof to solve this math problem.

2. There's a evidence that you did it.

3. Good product means a testament that you worked hard


Are these switchable in these contexts?

 

[asabranca]

"Proof" and "evidence" are almost interchangeable, though in official language, "evidence" is used, especially for court cases. One exception: In mathematics, the word "proof" is always used. "Proof" and "evidence" can refer to both abstract ideas and concrete things. However, "Testament" almost always refers to something abstract, not physical -- in other words, evidence that something is a certain way, or has certain qualities (ex: "testament to his strength," "testament to the group's commitment," etc.)

1. I need a proof to solve this math problem.
(You cannot use "testament" or "evidence" here.)

2. There's [STRIKE]a[/STRIKE] evidence that you did it.
You can also say: There's proof that you did it.
(You cannot say: There's a testament that you did it.)

3. Good product means a testament that you worked hard.
I would say: This quality product is a testament to your hard work.
You could say: This quality product is evidence of your hard work.
You could say: This quality product is proof of your hard work.

 

[mokbon]

However, "Testament" almost always refers to something abstract, not physical -- in other words, evidence that something is a certain way, or has certain qualities (ex: "testament to his strength," "testament to the group's commitment," etc.)

I found a definition from thefreedictionary.com
it is the opposite meaning of yours
Def: Something that serves as tangible proof or evidence

What about this sentence?
The spacious plan of the city is a testament to the foresight of its founders.
- thefreedictionary.com

Anyway, South Korea? I live in Pusan

 

[asabranca]

Very good point! I should have clarified my explanation a bit more. The testament itself can be physical -- as in your example states, "the spacious plan of the city" = the testament. The plan is very much a physical, tangible thing.

However, I'm referring to what comes after "testament to..." which is the object of the testament.

Let me give you some examples, because it will be easier to see than to explain.

1. The Grammy award is a testament to her incredible acting abilities.
testament = the Grammy award (physical object)
testament to... = her incredible acting abilities (abstract quality)

2. The spacious plan of the city is a testament to the foresight of its founders.
testament = spacious plan (physical object)
testament to... = the foresight (abstract quality)

3. The marriage ring is a testament to his commitment to their love.
testament = marriage ring (physical object)
testament to... = his commitment (abstract quality)



Now, contrast these examples to examples using "proof" and "evidence."

1. The fingerprints at the crime scene served as evidence of the assault.
evidence = fingerprints (physical)
evidence of... = assault (very physical ;-))

2. The wrinkles on her face were proof of the sun's damaging rays.
proof = the wrinkles (physical)
proof of... = the sun's damaging rays (physical)

3. The loud applause was evidence of her popularity.
evidence = loud applause (physical)
evidence of... = popularity (abstract)

As you can see, the object of "testament" is always abstract (at least the way I've heard it being used.)

The objects of "proof" and "evidence" are sometimes concrete, sometimes abstract.

Hope that helps! :-D

PS - I teach in Hongcheon-Gun.

 

[asabranca]

One last point... I have only heard "testament" used for evidence of positive attributes, where as "evidence" and "proof" are used for both possitive and negative things.

 

[5jj]

One last point...

An occasional 'please' or 'thank you' would not come amiss. Asabranca has given time and thought to your questions.

 

[BobK]

As you ask about proof and evidence, I imagine that you may have in mind the word 'testimony' (which isn't the same as 'testament')

In addition to the comments in the first reply to this thread, it's worth remembering that the mathematical 'proof' is countable. Footsteps in snow are proof that someone was there - not 'a proof'. (Incidentally, although asabranca doesn't seem to regard it as suspect ?, I can't imagine when anyone would say 'I need a proof to solve this math problem'. 'I need a proof' is something that a teacher might say when setting homework: 'Look at the problem on page 10 - I need a proof by the end of the week.'

b

 

[mokbon]

An occasional 'please' or 'thank you' would not come amiss. Asabranca has given time and thought to your questions.

Thanks for asabranca, fivejedjon, BobK

I'm sorry to forget to write occasional one..

And I'm always grateful to all the people here for helping me

If anyone come to my country, South Korea, you're welcome. I hope to help you guys, especially Busan(contact me please)

Have a good day and night~~