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proof Definition

proof (pro̵̅o̅f)

noun

  1. the act or process of proving; a testing or trying of something
  2. anything serving or tending to establish the truth of something, or to convince one of its truth; conclusive evidence
  3. the establishment of the truth of something to work on the proof of a theory
  4. a test or trial of the truth, worth, quality, etc. of something the proof of the pudding is in the eating
  5. the quality or condition of having been tested or proved
  6. Obsolete tested or proved strength, as of armor
    1. the relative strength of an alcoholic liquor with reference to the arbitrary standard for proof spirit
    2. this standard, taken as 100 proof
  8. Engraving a trial impression taken from a plate, block, or stone
  9. Law all the facts, admissions, and conclusions drawn from evidence which together operate to determine a verdict or judgment
  10. Math. a process for checking the correctness of a computation, as, in a subtraction problem, by adding the difference to the subtrahend to get the minuend
  11. Numismatics any of a limited number of coins of a new issue, struck with special care
  12. Photog. a trial print of a negative
  13. Printing an impression of composed type taken for checking errors and making changes

Etymology: ME profe < OFr prueve < LL proba < L probare: see probe

adjective

  1. of tested and proved strength
  2. impervious or invulnerable to; able to resist, withstand, etc.: with against proof against criticism
  3. used in proving or testing
  4. of standard strength: said of alcoholic liquors

transitive verb

  1. to make a proof of
  2. to make resistant or impervious to something
  3. proofread

proof Synonyms

proof

n.

  1. Evidence

    demonstration, verification, evidence, testimony, case, exhibit, reasons, documentation, credentials, data, warrant, confirmation, substantiation, attestation, corroboration, affidavit, facts, witness, deposition, trace, record, criterion, grounds; see also confirmation 1.

  2. Process of proving

    test, attempt, assay; see trial 2.

  3. A printed proof sheet

    trial proof, pull, slip, revise, trial impression, galley proof, page proof, stereo proof, foundry proof.

proof, as compared here, applies to facts, documents, etc. that are so certain or convincing as to demonstrate the validity of a conclusion beyond reasonable doubt; evidence applies to something presented before a court, as a witness's statement, an object, etc., that bears on or establishes a point in question; testimony applies to verbal evidence given by a witness under oath; exhibit applies to a document or object produced as evidence in a court

proof Law Definition

n

An establishment by evidence of the truth or falseness of an alleged fact; evidence upon which a court’s judicial ruling is based.
burden of proof
The responsibility placed on one party to bring forward evidence in support of his cause; as to a plaintiff (in a civil case) or a prosecutor (in a criminal case), the requirement of bringing forth sufficient evidence to support a finding in favor of plaintiff or the state. 
standard of proof
Level of proof required to sustain certain actions; varying levels of proof required include “beyond a reasonable doubt” (criminal cases), “by a preponderance of the evidence” (most civil cases), “clear and convincing evidence” (certain civil and some criminal cases, including fraud). 

proof Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • pudding: The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.
  • identity: On your first visit, please bring proof of identity to allow the issue of a reader's ticket.
  • eligibility: Either take along a passport sized photograph with the application form and your proof of eligibility to any of the ' Registration Centers ' .
  • residency: Proof of residency, such as a gas, electricity or council tax bill.
  • postage: Please obtain proof of postage otherwise we cannot refund should an item not arrive.
  • purchase: By law a software license or proof of purchase must be obtained for every item of software used.

Adjective modifier

  • conclusive: They also played a new version of ' Dark Clouds ' , which seems conclusive proof that they accept their past.
  • mathematical: Of course mathematical proofs do not have personal characters.
  • convincing: You will have to take my word that there is convincing proof for what I'm about to say.
  • definitive: The reference number and date issued is not definitive proof of exemption.
  • documentary: Evidence of identity With every new application for benefit you must also provide documentary proof of your identity.

Modifies a noun

  • membrane: The easy to apply 2 coat damp proof membrane, ARDEX DPM, was applied to the prepared concrete base.
  • vest: When I spoke to him this evening, he told me that six men wearing bullet proof vests had searched his house again today.

Noun used with modifier

  • bullet: The inner two were made of stout trees, lined with flax making them almost bullet proof.
  • vandal: The skate park is made of high quality concrete which is hard wearing and vandal proof.
  • fool: It is almost fool proof that someone can create a great speech from what you provide.
  • frost: A frost proof shelter measuring four feet x four feet is attached to the flight at the rear.
  • galley: Page Proofs All first or corresponding authors will receive galley proofs for checking.
  • tamper: You can protect your tax disk with a tamper proof disk holder, available from the Post Office.