Definition

Providing evidence or information that helps to prove something in a legal or logical context.

Example

The lawyer presented probative evidence to support her case in court.

Conversation

Did you read that article about the court case?

Yeah, it was really interesting how they presented the probative evidence.

I know, right? It really showed how important good evidence can be.

Absolutely! It made the whole argument much stronger.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Probative → It is formed from "probare" (meaning to test or prove) and the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "probative" refers to something that has the quality of proving or testing something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'proving' something ('probare') and remember that 'probative' means having the nature of proving.

Visually Confused Words