WordGarden.ioprove
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /prˈuːv/
US
- /ˈpruv/
Meanings
Verb
to show with evidence or reasoning that something is true
to turn out to be a certain way
to show that you are capable, worthy, or right through what you do
More meaningsFewer meanings
to demonstrate formally that a mathematical statement is true
to let yeast dough rise before baking
Beyond the definition
To prove something is not just about believing it is true. It is about showing that it is true with facts, reasons, or clear results. A detective gathers clues to prove who committed a crime. You might prove your point in an argument, prove that you can do something by doing it well, or prove who you are by showing ID. The word is also often used when something later turns out to be a certain way: a plan may prove helpful, or a trip may prove harder than expected. Sometimes this is easy, and sometimes it is very hard, especially when there is little evidence.
To prove means to demonstrate the truth or existence of something by evidence or argument. It goes beyond simply believing something yourself; it requires convincing others that your claim is valid. Think of mathematicians proving theorems—they don't just assume an equation is true; they use logical steps and established principles to prove its validity.
Context is key when using this word. In a courtroom, lawyers attempt to prove a case using evidence and testimony. In science, experiments are designed to prove or disprove hypotheses. You might also "prove" your identity by showing documentation, or "prove" your skills through a performance.
Interestingly, the word "prove" comes from the Latin probare, meaning "to test." This origin highlights that proving isn't just about stating a fact—it's about subjecting a claim to scrutiny and demonstrating its truthfulness under examination. This root also leads to the sense of something "turning out" to be a certain way after a period of time or a trial: "The bridge proved strong enough to hold the weight," or "The task proved more difficult than expected." Whether you're solving a puzzle, winning an argument, or conducting research, "prove" signifies the powerful act of establishing certainty and reliability.
Examples
- 1
Evidence
We need solid evidence to prove that he was at the scene.
- 2
Written record
Her notes proved she had warned the team before the problem started.
- 3
Weak evidence
A single photo doesn't prove anything on its own.
- 4
Police investigation
The police couldn't prove who had taken the car.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Software result
The new software proved to be more reliable than the old version.
- Patternprove to be
turn out to be
- 6
Risk assessment
Waiting any longer could prove risky.
- Patternprove + adjective
turn out to be
- 7
Personal capability
After a difficult first season, she was determined to prove herself.
- Phraseprove yourself
show that you are capable
- 8
Workplace pressure
He always feels he has something to prove when he walks into that office.
- Phrasehave something to prove
feel you must show how good or successful you are
- 9
Proving critics wrong
Everyone said the idea would fail, but she proved them wrong.
- Phraseprove someone wrong
show that their opinion was not correct
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- prove a point
- prove that
- prove beyond a reasonable doubt
- prove conclusively
Word family
Explore
- evidence
- burden of proof
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- proveverb
Forms
- provedpast tensepast participleverb
- provesverb
- proving-ing formverb