adj
probative
PROH-buh-tihv
adj
1
Serving to prove or provide evidence for something, especially in a legal context.
"The judge ruled the photo had strong probative value in the case."
How to Use Probative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHelping to prove something, usually used about evidence in a legal case.
When to use it
Mostly used in legal writing and courtroom contexts.
Common pairings
probative value
probative evidence
Word Forms
more probative comparative, most probative superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “probative”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The judge ruled the photo had strong _____ value in the case.
Etymology
From Latin probativus, "belonging to proof," from probare, "to test or prove."