to substantiate / underpin
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to substantiate
To support and strengthen a statement, theory, or argument with facts, evidence, or examples.
Der Wissenschaftler konnte seine Hypothese mit neuen Daten untermauern.
The scientist was able to substantiate his hypothesis with new data.
'Untermauern' (to substantiate / underpin) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'unter-' always remains connected to the verb. The past participle is formed without 'ge-': 'hat untermauert' (has substantiated/underpinned).
Er untermauert seine Argumentation mit Zahlen.
He substantiates his argument with figures.
The verb comes from 'unter' (under) and 'mauern' (to build a wall). The literal meaning is to build a wall under something in order to support it. This logic carries over to the figurative meaning: you give an argument a stable basis.
Die Experten untermauern ihre Warnung mit aktuellen Studien.
The experts substantiate their warning with current studies.
In the figurative meaning, 'untermauern' (to substantiate) is often used with abstract nouns such as 'Argument' (argument), 'These' (thesis), 'Behauptung' (claim), or 'Forderung' (demand). You typically substantiate something 'mit Fakten' (with facts), 'durch Beweise' (through evidence), or 'mit Beispielen' (with examples).
Die Anklage konnte den Vorwurf nicht mit Beweisen untermauern.
The prosecution could not substantiate the accusation with evidence.
The literal meaning, to reinforce a building, belongs to the technical language of construction and architecture. In everyday life, you will only rarely hear or read this usage.
Das Fundament des alten Turms musste dringend untermauert werden.
The foundation of the old tower urgently had to be underpinned.
to confirm
'bestätigen' and 'untermauern' can both make a statement stronger. 'bestätigen' is used when something is said to be correct or true, for example an appointment, a piece of information, or an impression. 'untermauern' fits more when you support a statement with facts, figures, or examples. So you often 'bestätigen' the correctness of something directly. You are more likely to 'untermauern' a justification or an argument.
Der Bericht untermauert die Kritik mit mehreren aktuellen Zahlen.
The report substantiates the criticism with several current figures.
Die Ärztin bestätigt den Termin für morgen per E-Mail.
The doctor confirms tomorrow's appointment by email.