Quick answer
Evidência is an indication supporting a conclusion; prova is material used to establish a claim and also means test.
A reliable test is to identify the job of the word before translating from English.
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What each word does
evidência
evidence or clear indication
Use evidência for a fact or sign that supports a conclusion or makes something apparent.
prova
proof, evidence, or test
Use prova for material used to establish a claim, or an examination of knowledge or performance.
How to choose
- evidência: Choose evidência if the sentence points to a fact or sign that supports a conclusion or makes something apparent.
- prova: Choose prova if the sentence points to material used to establish a claim, or an examination of knowledge or performance.
Examples
Os exames mostraram evidências de infecção.
The tests showed evidence of infection.
A gravação foi aceita como prova.
The recording was accepted as evidence.
Common trap
One evidência may not constitute conclusive prova. Legal and scientific standards decide how strong the support must be.
Practice it in context
Pick one sentence from your real life and write it twice: once with evidência, then once with prova. If both versions feel possible, name the meaning shift.
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