evidentialadj.
/ˌɛvᵻˈdɛnʃl/, U.S. /ˌɛvəˈdɛn(t)ʃəl/ 1. Of or relating to evidence; based or resting on evidence; relying on evidence, esp. the Evidences of Christianity (see evidence n. 6c), as evidential method, evidential school.In quot. 1610: resting on documentary evidence.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > [adjective]
testimonialc1430
evidential1610
witnessed1746
evidentiary1809
attestative1827
adductive1873
testatory1907
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > documentary evidence > [adjective] > supported by documentation
evidential1610
well-documented1711
documented1803
1610 W. Folkingham Feudigraphia iii. i. 65 The Propriety of Possessions intimates their particular state and condition, and may be diuided into Vocall and Euidential.
1646 W. S. Covenant to walk with God 9 Having these evidential grounds, that this is the true grace of Christ, wherein we now stand we cannot but finde our Spirits.
1683 E. Hooker in J. Pordage Theologia Mystica Pref. Epist. 69 The firm and evidential Probation of invisibls, things out of sight.
1772 R. Hill Rev. Doctrines Concl. 149 You cannot suppose that..he intended to exclude good works in an evidential sense.
1865 J. B. Mozley 8 Lect. Miracles i. 7 The evidential function of a miracle is based upon the common argument of design.
1871 E. B. Tylor Primitive Culture I. 380 The basis of theological science must be historical as well as evidential.
1884 P. Schaff et al. Relig. Encycl. III. 2507/1 Whately was a genuine disciple of the ‘evidential’ school. Faith is to him the conclusion drawn from historical premises.
1912 Rev. Theol. & Philos. 7 98 The book..is a striking example of the failure of the evidential method as applied to the question of miracles.
1979 T. Honderich in T. Honderich & M. Burnyeat Philos. as it Is 312 We are concerned with the evidential basis for our beliefs about the physical world.
2010 G. Carr Angry Brigade ix. 119 A huge pile of documentary material seized in the original raid on Amhurst Road..discarded as having no apparent evidential value.
2. Providing evidence (of); having the nature of evidence, esp. the Evidences of Christianity (see evidence n. 6c); serving to attest.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > [adjective] > offering evidence
testifying1585
testificatory1593
evidencing1609
evidentiala1641
suffragant1652
attesting1720
evidentiary1780
evincive1805
documentary1843
evidencive1851
a1641 R. Montagu Acts & Monuments (1642) 198 Sight of all our senses is most active, penetrative, discerning, and evidential.
1701 W. Fleetwood Ess. Miracles 229 Those [miracles] should be Evidential ones, which God enables Men to work in order to gain belief.
1785 Boston Mag. Sept. 348/1 A suggestion perfectly ridiculous, and evidential of that mental imbecillity, which the tender passion sometimes produces.
1837 J. Macculloch Proofs Attrib. God II. 431 Subjects evidential of the attributes of the Deity.
1839 Blackwood's Mag. 46 94 Evidential miracles..simply prove Christianity.
1879 F. W. Farrar Life & Work St. Paul I. iii. x. 202 That he should have passed..from one direction of life to the very opposite, is..evidential of the power and significance of Christianity.
1934 Spectator 2 Feb. 163/1 The phenomena are not in themselves evidential of the agency of departed human beings.
2013 S. Collins et al. Oxf. Handbk. Obstetr. & Gynaecol. (ed. 3) 616 Evidential samples for sexual offences are likely to be: semen, saliva,..clothes, and condoms.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1610