What does the term "substantiate" primarily mean?

The term "substantiate" primarily means to provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something. When someone substantiates a claim, they are offering concrete evidence or reasoning that validates that claim, making it more credible. This action is crucial in various fields, such as law, science, and academia, where proving the validity of statements or theories is essential. The focus of the term is on the act of backing up assertions with factual information, thus reinforcing their legitimacy.