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Evidence
#12
الدليل (al-dalīl) means 'evidence' or 'proof' and refers to something that demonstrates or establishes the truth of a claim or fact. It can also mean 'guide' or 'indicator' in certain contexts. This noun is commonly used in legal, academic, and everyday discourse when discussing facts, testimonies, or documentation that support an argument.
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قدم المحامي أدلة قوية لإثبات براءة موكله.
Qaddama al-muḥāmī adilla qawiyya li-ithbāt barā'a mawkalihi.
The lawyer presented strong evidence to prove his client's innocence.
الدليل العلمي يؤكد أن تغير المناخ حقيقي وملموس.
Al-dalīl al-'ilmī yu'akkid anna taghyur al-munākh haqīqī wa-malmus.
Scientific evidence confirms that climate change is real and tangible.
لم يكن هناك دليل كافٍ لإدانة المتهم.
Lam yakun hunāka dalīl kāfin li-idānat al-muttaham.
There was insufficient evidence to convict the accused.
البصمات على السلاح تعتبر دليلاً حاسماً في القضية.
Al-basamāt 'alā al-silāḥ tu'tabar dalīlan ḥāsiman fī al-qadiyya.
The fingerprints on the weapon are considered crucial evidence in the case.
هذا الكتاب يعتبر دليلاً مهماً لفهم الثقافة العربية.
Hādhā al-kitāb yu'tabar dalīlan muhimman li-fahm al-thaqāfa al-'arabiyya.
This book is considered an important guide to understanding Arab culture.
In Islamic jurisprudence and classical Arabic thought, the concept of 'dalīl' (evidence) holds significant importance, with scholars historically emphasizing the need for proper evidence (bayyina) in legal proceedings. The word is deeply embedded in Arabic legal and academic traditions, reflecting the cultural importance placed on substantiated claims and logical argumentation. In modern Arabic media and courtrooms, الدليل remains a central term in discussions of justice, truth-seeking, and rational discourse.
Remember that الدليل is typically used in formal or semi-formal contexts such as legal discussions, academic arguments, and debates. The plural form is أدلة (adilla). When speaking of multiple pieces of evidence, use the plural. Be careful not to confuse it with دليل (guide/guidebook) which has the same spelling but different pronunciation emphasis and context—context will usually clarify which meaning is intended.
The Arabic word الدليل (al-dalīl) translates primarily to 'evidence' or 'proof' and is one of the most important vocabulary terms in legal, academic, and formal Arabic discourse. Understanding this word is essential for English speakers learning Arabic, as it appears frequently in news, courtroom dramas, educational materials, and serious conversations about facts and truth.
الدليل fundamentally means something that demonstrates or establishes the truth of a claim, fact, or argument. In legal contexts, it refers to physical or testimonial evidence presented in court. In academic settings, it means supporting data or logical reasoning. The word can also extend to mean 'guide' or 'indicator' when used in certain contexts, though this usage is less common in modern Arabic.
The plural form is أدلة (adilla), which you'll frequently encounter when discussing multiple pieces of evidence: 'الأدلة القوية' (strong evidence) or 'الأدلة العلمية' (scientific evidence).
As a masculine noun, الدليل follows standard Arabic noun patterns. When used with the definite article (ال), it becomes 'the evidence' as shown in most examples. In the indefinite form, you'd say 'دليل' (a piece of evidence). The word can be paired with adjectives that modify its meaning: الدليل الحاسم (conclusive evidence), الدليل الدامغ (overwhelming evidence), or الدليل الشرعي (legal evidence).
In Islamic jurisprudence, the concept of proper evidence holds paramount importance. The Qur'an and Hadith emphasize the necessity of providing evidence ('bayyina') before making accusations or claims. This historical emphasis on evidence-based argumentation has deeply influenced Arabic legal traditions and academic practices. In modern Arabic-speaking countries, الدليل remains a cornerstone term in courtrooms, where lawyers present أدلة (evidence) to support their cases.
The importance of evidence in Arab culture extends beyond law into everyday discussions. Arab intellectuals and scholars have long valued logical argumentation supported by concrete evidence, a tradition dating back to classical Islamic scholars who developed sophisticated methods of scrutinizing evidence and sources.
Several phrases are regularly used with الدليل:
While الدليل is the most common word for 'evidence,' related terms include:
When learning this word, focus on formal and semi-formal contexts where it typically appears. You'll encounter الدليل in news reports about court cases, documentary discussions about scientific findings, and academic papers. Practice constructing sentences that present evidence, such as 'قدمت أدلة تدعم هذه النظرية' (I presented evidence supporting this theory).
Understanding الدليل and its related vocabulary will significantly enhance your ability to engage in substantive conversations about facts, arguments, and truth in Arabic. This is a word that bridges everyday conversation with academic and legal discourse, making it invaluable for intermediate and advanced learners.