Definition

1. Noun:

   • Evidence establishing truth: Facts, information, or documents that show something is true or exists.
   • A logical demonstration: A series of logical steps that establishes the truth of a statement, especially in mathematics or logic.
   • A test print or impression: A preliminary version of a printed page, photograph, or engraving made for checking and correction.
   • A standard of alcoholic strength: A measure of the strength of an alcoholic spirit.

2. Adjective:

   • Able to resist or withstand: Used to describe something that is treated or designed to be resistant to a specific thing (often used in combination, e.g., waterproof, bulletproof).

3. Verb:

   • To make resistant: To treat a material to make it resistant to something (e.g., water, bullets).
   • To proofread: To read and mark corrections on a text.
   • To activate yeast: To mix yeast with a liquid to activate it before baking.
   • To knead dough: To knead dough until it reaches the proper lightness before baking.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The scientist presented proof of her theory.
  • The lawyer asked for proof of identity.
  • The printer checked the proof for errors before the final run.

• Adjective:

  • He wore a proof vest for protection.
  • The phone case is advertised as shockproof.

• Verb:

  • They proofed the fabric to make it water-resistant.
  • Please proof this document carefully for typos.
  • You need to proof the yeast in warm water before adding the flour.

Advanced Usage

• "The proof is in the pudding": The real value or quality of something can only be judged by putting it to its intended use or by experiencing it.
  • They claim their software is the fastest, but the proof is in the pudding.
• "Living proof": A person or thing that clearly demonstrates the truth of something.
  • She is living proof that hard work pays off.
• "Burden of proof": The obligation to prove one's assertion.
  • In a court of law, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.

Variants and Related Words

• Proofread (v): To read and correct written material.
  • She proofreads all her emails before sending them.
• Proofing (n): The process of making something resistant or the stage of checking proofs.
  • The proofing stage is crucial for catching errors.
• Proofer (n): A person who proofs or a machine used in proofing (e.g., a dough proofer).
• Proof positive (n phr): Absolute or conclusive proof.
  • The signed confession was proof positive of his guilt.

Synonyms

• Noun: Evidence, verification, confirmation, demonstration, testament.
• Adjective: Resistant, impervious, impermeable.
• Verb: Fortify, protect, check, correct, activate.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Proof" is not commonly used as part of phrasal verbs. Its verbal uses are typically transitive.)

Related Idioms

• "Proof against something": Resistant to or able to withstand something.
  • His confidence was proof against their criticism.
• "Put to the proof": To test something or someone.
  • The difficult mission put their skills to the proof.

Adjective

1. (used in combination or as a suffix) able to withstand
   • temptation-proof
   • childproof locks

Noun

1. the act of validating; finding or testing the truth of something
2. a trial photographic print from a negative
3. (printing) an impression made to check for errors
4. a measure of alcoholic strength expressed as an integer twice the percentage of alcohol present (by volume)
5. a formal series of statements showing that if one thing is true something else necessarily follows from it
6. any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something
   • if you have any proof for what you say, now is the time to produce it

Verb

1. make resistant (to harm)
   • proof the materials against shrinking in the dryer
2. activate by mixing with water and sometimes sugar or milk
   • proof yeast
3. read for errors
   • I should proofread my manuscripts
4. knead to reach proper lightness
   • proof dough
5. make or take a proof of, such as a photographic negative, an etching, or typeset