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prove definition

prove (pro̵̅o̅v)

transitive verb proved, proved or proven prov′en, proving prov′·ing

  1. to test by experiment, a standard, etc.; subject to a testing process; try out
  2. to establish as true; demonstrate to be a fact
  3. to establish the validity or authenticity of (esp. a will)
  4. to show (oneself) to be capable, dependable, etc.
  5. Archaic to experience; learn or know by experience
  6. Math. to test or verify the correctness of (a calculation, etc.)
  7. Printing to take a proof of (type, etc.)

Etymology: ME proven < OFr prover < L probare: see probe

intransitive verb

  1. to be found or shown by experience or trial; turn out to be a guess that proved right
  2. Archaic to make trial

Related Forms:

prove Idioms

the exception proves the rule

prove out

☆
to show or be shown to be satisfactory, accurate, true, etc.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

idioms prove idiom

prove Synonyms

prove

v.

justify, substantiate, authenticate, corroborate, testify, explain, attest, show, warrant, uphold, determine, settle, fix, certify, back, sustain, validate, bear out, affirm, confirm, make evident, convince, evidence, be evidence of, witness, declare, testify, betoken, have a case, manifest, demonstrate, document, establish, settle once and for all, (just) go to show*; see also verify.

Antonyms disprove*, break down*, disqualify.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

prove Usage Examples

Object

  • anything: This doesn't prove anything about religion, of course.

Adjective complement

  • fatal: Minutes or even seconds being lost could prove fatal.

Present participle complement

  • devastate: Natural or man-made disasters can prove devastating for an unprepared business.

Used with why or when

  • why: Scot Keith Armor proved just why he is a star of the future on his debut to the circuit.

Present participle complement

  • irritate: The acting of all the four actors was generally fine, but the monotone voice of Lams proved irritating throughout the production.

Preposition: in

  • court: Before 1858 the wills would have been proved in the local church courts.
prove usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

prove quotes

And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the L, she came to prove him with hard questions.

-Bible (Old Testament)

Prove all things; hold fast that which isgood.

-Bible (NewTestament)

I could prove God statistically.

-Gallup, George Horace

prove quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"prove." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/prove>

APA Style

prove. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/prove

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