probative

adjective

pro·​ba·​tive ˈprō-bə-tiv How to pronounce probative (audio)
1
: serving to test or try : exploratory
2
: serving to prove : substantiating

Examples of probative in a Sentence

no dearth of probative evidence for the theory of evolution
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Fulbright shepherded the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution through the Senate in 1964, but two years later, his probative hearings helped shift public opinion against the war. James Goldgeier, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2018 The length of the trial was due to a combination of appeals and the prosecution’s strategy to present as much evidence as possible to entertain multiple paths to conviction, even when such evidence was of little probative value. Tatiana Carayannis, Foreign Affairs, 5 Apr. 2016 Her recent albums have been even more probative. Sheldon Pearce, The New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2021 Weinstein's lawyers argued before the trial that use of such testimony is more prejudicial than probative, but the judge who presided over the trial decided to allow it following a secret hearing. Maria Puente, USA TODAY, 2 June 2022 If the emails are probative, the jury should see them. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 14 May 2022 Judges are supposed to allow or bar such witnesses based on whether their testimony is more probative than prejudicial. Maria Puente, USA TODAY, 12 May 2022 When presented with these potential witnesses, trial judges have to balance whether their testimony is properly probative or impermissibly prejudicial. Maria Puente, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2022 Justice Breyer said additional evidence of Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s behavior could have been probative. Jess Bravin, WSJ, 4 Mar. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of probative was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near probative

Cite this Entry

“Probative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probative. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

probative

adjective
pro·​ba·​tive ˈprō-bə-tiv How to pronounce probative (audio)
1
: serving or tending to prove
evidence of the use of an alias by a defendant is often probative of nothingCase & Comment
compare prejudicial
2
: of or relating to proof
evidence with probative value
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