burden of proof
Say it: BUR-dun of proof /ˌbəːd(ə)n əv ˈpruːf/ · noun
What “burden of proof” means
The responsibility to provide evidence for your claim.
More precisely: The obligation on whoever makes a claim to provide evidence for it.
Example: “You're the one saying the supplement works, so the burden of proof is on you.”
When to use it
When deciding who must support an assertion with evidence. Common in debates, scientific discussions and legal reasoning.
Similar words
onus, obligation
Quick check
Your neighbour claims a device makes plants grow twice as fast. Who must provide evidence? The neighbour carries the…
benefit of the doubt or burden of proof?
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burden of proof
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