Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):

   • To establish the truth or validity of something through evidence, argument, or demonstration: To show that something is true or correct by providing facts, logical reasoning, or experimental results.
   • To demonstrate the genuineness or quality of something by testing or using it: To subject something to a test or trial to confirm its properties, worth, or effectiveness.
   • To show (oneself) to have a particular quality or ability through action: To demonstrate one's character or capability by one's deeds or behavior.

2. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To be shown or found to be a certain way; to turn out: Used to describe a situation where something or someone is ultimately revealed to have a particular characteristic or outcome.

Examples of Usage

• Transitive Verb:

  • The scientist conducted an experiment to prove the theory. (The scientist performed an experiment to establish the theory's validity.)
  • He was able to prove his innocence with an alibi. (He was able to demonstrate his innocence was true by providing an alibi.)
  • The new method proved its efficiency in reducing costs. (The new method demonstrated its efficiency through results.)

• Intransitive Verb (often followed by 'to be'):

  • His assumptions proved to be incorrect. (His assumptions were ultimately found to be wrong.)
  • The difficult situation proved how resilient she was. (The difficult situation revealed her resilience.)
  • It proves impossible to finish on time. (It turns out to be impossible to finish on time.)

Advanced Usage

• "The exception proves the rule": An idiom meaning that the existence of an exception confirms that a general rule exists, as it highlights what is normal by contrast.

  • He's usually very punctual, so his being late today just proves the rule. (His lateness today, being unusual, confirms his general punctuality.)

• "Prove oneself": To demonstrate one's worth, ability, or character through actions.

  • She had to prove herself in the new role before getting a promotion. (She had to demonstrate her capability in the new position.)

Variants and Related Words

• Proof (noun): Evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement.

  • He provided concrete proof of his identity.

• Proven (adjective, also past participle): Having been demonstrated or verified.

  • She has a proven track record in management.
  • A proven method.

• Disprove (verb): To prove that something is false.

  • New evidence disproved the old hypothesis.

Synonyms

• Demonstrate: To show clearly by giving proof or evidence.
• Verify: To confirm the truth or accuracy of something.
• Establish: To set up or show to be valid on a firm basis.
• Confirm: To state or show that something is definitely true or correct.
• Attest: To provide or serve as clear evidence of.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Prove out: To be shown to be effective, successful, or true over time or through testing.
  • The new software will need to prove out in real-world conditions. (The new software will need to demonstrate its effectiveness in practical use.)

Related Idioms

• Prove a point: To demonstrate that one's opinion or argument is correct.

  • He drove recklessly just to prove a point, which was very dangerous. (He drove dangerously simply to demonstrate his argument.)

• The proof of the pudding is in the eating: The real value or quality of something can only be judged when it is put to use or experienced.

  • The design looks good, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating—we need to test it. (The true test of the design is how it works in practice.)

Verb

1. obtain probate of
   • prove a will
2. take a trial impression of
3. cause to puff up with a leaven
   • unleavened bread
4. increase in volume
   • the dough rose slowly in the warm room
5. put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to
   • This approach has been tried with good results
   • Test this recipe
6. prove formally; demonstrate by a mathematical, formal proof
7. provide evidence for
   • The blood test showed that he was the father
   • Her behavior testified to her incompetence
8. establish the validity of something, as by an example, explanation or experiment
   • The experiment demonstrated the instability of the compound
   • The mathematician showed the validity of the conjecture
9. be shown or be found to be
   • She proved to be right
   • The medicine turned out to save her life
   • She turned up HIV positive