proven

The word “proven” means shown by evidence to be true, effective, or reliable. In plain terms, already demonstrated to be true or reliable, rather than just claimed or theoretical.

“Proven” is pronounced PROO-vn (/ˈpɹu.vn̩/ in IPA).

Here is “proven” used in a sentence: “The drug has a proven track record of safety.”

The opposite of “proven” — its antonyms — are unproven and disproven.

“Proven” is an adjective.

The word “proven” comes from Middle English. Developed as the past participle of "preve," a Middle English form of prove, and originally used in Scottish legal contexts — as in the verdict "not proven.".

“Proven” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Both can serve as the past participle of "prove," so "has proven" and "has proved" are both correct. "Proven" is more common as an adjective before a noun, as in "a proven method," while "proved" is often preferred as the plain past tense, as in "she proved her point."

"Tested" means something has been tried or examined, but not necessarily with a successful result. "Proven" goes further, meaning it has been shown by evidence to be true, effective, or reliable. Something can be tested and still fail, whereas proven implies it worked.

"Proven" means shown by evidence to be true, effective, or reliable. "Unproven," a related form, means not yet demonstrated to be true or reliable. The prefix "un-" reverses the meaning.