prove
Pluralproves
- 1To show that something is really true by giving facts or good reasons.
Like showing your math work so everyone sees the answer is right.
Scientists can prove their ideas with careful experiments.
She proved her point with clear evidence from the records.
UsageOften prove that something is true. You can say has proved or has proven.
Similardemonstrate, establish, show, substantiate
- 2To be shown to be something, after it is tried or after some time.
Like a guess that turns out right in the end.
The new road proved useful for everyone in the village.
His advice will prove helpful one day.
UsageSay prove + a describing word: it proved useful. Prove to be means the same.
Note
- 3To show other people that you are good enough, skilled enough, or brave enough.
The new player wants to prove herself in her first game.
He proved himself by staying calm when the fire started.
UsageOften prove yourself or prove himself. Have something to prove means you still need to show you are good enough.
- 4To show or check that something is real or valid.
Like checking that a key really opens the lock before you trust it.
You must prove who you are before the bank will open an account for you.
After her father died, she had to prove his will in court.
Similarverify, confirm, establish, authenticate, validate
Less common meanings
- 5Alternative form of proof. Used when bread dough rises, or is left to rise, before baking.
Bakers prove the dough in a warm spot for about an hour.
Let the pizza dough prove on the counter before you roll it out.
UsageUse it for dough. For checking writing for mistakes, say proof or proofread.
Note
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- 8To make a test print of something to check it before the final copies.
Note
- 9To go through something yourself and feel what it is like.
Where she, captived long, great woes did prove.
1596, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie QueeneHere, prove means to go through and feel, so she suffered great woes.Note
- 10To test a substance by taking it and writing down the effects it causes.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
From Latin "probō" meaning to test or examine, from "probus" meaning good or worthy. It came into English through Old English and Old French.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 4 facts
- Prove derives from Latin probō. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin probō means to test or examine. en.wiktionary.org
- Probō derives from probus, meaning good or worthy. en.wiktionary.org
- The English word came through Old English and Old French. en.wiktionary.org