prove
proov
Prove (verb) means to show, by evidence or argument, that something is true. Example: “Can you prove that you were at home last night?”
verb
1
To show, by evidence or argument, that something is true.
"Can you prove that you were at home last night?"
"The new data proved the theory correct."
"She had to prove her identity before boarding."
2
To turn out to be, after time or testing.
"The old car proved reliable on our long journey north."
"He proved a better cook than any of us expected."
"The plan proved to be a disaster."
3
In baking, to let dough rise before it's baked.
"Cover the bowl and leave the bread to prove until it doubles."
"The dough needs a long time to prove before baking."
"Let the dough prove for an hour in a warm spot."
How to use prove
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo show something is true with evidence, to turn out a certain way over time, or (in cooking) to let dough rise.
Common pairings
prove wrong
prove a point
prove yourself
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Word forms
- Plural
- proves
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Can you _____ that you were at home last night?
Etymology
From Old English prōfian and Old French prover, both from Latin probō, "to test, examine, show to be good" — the same root that gives us "probe" and "probable."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for prove
See all rhymes for prove →Frequently asked questions
What does “prove” mean?
The word “prove” means to show, by evidence or argument, that something is true. In plain terms, to show something is true with evidence, to turn out a certain way over time, or (in cooking) to let dough rise.
How do you pronounce “prove”?
“Prove” is pronounced proov (/pɹuːv/ in IPA).
How do you use “prove” in a sentence?
Here is “prove” used in a sentence: “The new data proved the theory correct.”
What part of speech is “prove”?
“Prove” is a verb.
Where does the word “prove” come from?
The word “prove” comes from Latin. From Old English prōfian and Old French prover, both from Latin probō, "to test, examine, show to be good" — the same root that gives us "probe" and "probable.".
Is “prove” a common word?
“Prove” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “prove” have?
“Prove” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to show, by evidence or argument, that something is true.
What is the difference between prove and proof?
'Prove' is the verb, the action of showing something is true, as in 'the data proves the theory.' 'Proof' is the noun, the evidence itself that does the showing, as in 'the data is the proof.' If the word names an action, use prove; if it names a thing, use proof.
Is it proved or proven?
Both are accepted past forms of prove. 'Proved' is the traditional past tense and past participle, as in 'she has proved her point.' 'Proven' is also common as a participle and is standard when used as an adjective before a noun, as in 'a proven method.' Either is correct in most sentences.
What is the difference between prove and demonstrate?
The words overlap. 'Prove' suggests establishing something as true beyond reasonable doubt, often with hard evidence or logic. 'Demonstrate' can mean the same, but also more loosely means to show or illustrate, so a demonstration may make something clear without settling it conclusively. Prove is the stronger, more final claim.
What is the opposite of prove?
The main opposite is 'disprove,' meaning to show, with evidence or argument, that something is false. Close alternatives include refute, rebut, and debunk. Where proving establishes that a claim is true, disproving does the reverse, demonstrating that the claim does not hold up under scrutiny.
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