Which word means to give concrete form or body to; convert into substance; embody?

• A. Substantiate
• B. Sum
• C. Subsidy
• D. Summary

Answer: (A)

This question tests finding a word that means turning an idea into something real by grounding it in evidence or support. Substantiate fits best because it means to provide proof or evidence that gives a claim substance, making it concrete and believable. In other words, to substantiate something is to make it real by backing it up with facts, data, or arguments. For example, researchers substantiated their hypothesis with rigorous experiments, which strengthens the idea into a solid conclusion. The other options don’t convey this sense: sum is about adding numbers, subsidy is financial aid, and summary is a brief restatement.