verb
Common
proving
PROO-vihng
Proving (verb) means present participle of "prove" — demonstrating or establishing that something is true. Example: “Are you proving that the old method works, or just guessing?”
verb
1
Present participle of "prove" — demonstrating or establishing that something is true.
"Are you proving that the old method works, or just guessing?"
"She spent months proving her theory with careful experiments."
"The new evidence ended up proving him right all along."
noun
1
In baking, the process of letting dough rise before it is baked.
"Proving works best in a warm, draught-free corner of the kitchen."
"After the first proving, knock the air out of the dough and shape it."
"The recipe calls for two hours of proving before the bread goes in the oven."
How to use proving
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShowing something is true, or (in cooking) letting dough rest and rise.
Common pairings
proving ground
proving oneself
proving dough
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Word forms
- Plural
- provings
Fill the gap
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Are you _____ that the old method works, or just guessing?
Etymology
From Old English prōfung, formed from the verb prove plus the -ing ending.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for proving
See all rhymes for proving →Frequently asked questions
What does “proving” mean?
The word “proving” means present participle of "prove" — demonstrating or establishing that something is true. In plain terms, showing something is true, or (in cooking) letting dough rest and rise.
How do you pronounce “proving”?
“Proving” is pronounced PROO-vihng (/ˈpɹuːvɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “proving” in a sentence?
Here is “proving” used in a sentence: “She spent months proving her theory with careful experiments.”
What part of speech is “proving”?
Depending on how it is used, “proving” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “proving” come from?
The word “proving” comes from Old English. From Old English prōfung, formed from the verb prove plus the -ing ending.
Is “proving” a common word?
“Proving” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “proving” have?
“Proving” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: present participle of "prove" — demonstrating or establishing that something is true.
Is it spelled "proving" or "prooving"?
The correct spelling is "proving", with one o. It comes from "prove", which drops its silent final e before -ing; "prooving" is always incorrect and is probably influenced by the noun "proof".
What is a "proving ground"?
A proving ground is a site where new equipment, especially vehicles or weapons, is tested — and, figuratively, any place where people or ideas are put to the test. The phrase builds on "prove" in its sense of demonstrating that something works.
