prove
verb
\ ˈprüv
\
\
proved;
proved
or proven\ ˈprü-vən
, British also ˈprō- \;
proving\ ˈprü-viŋ
\
, British also ˈprō- \;
proving\ ˈprü-viŋ
\
Definition of prove
1a
: to establish the existence, truth, or validity of (as by evidence or logic)
prove a theorem the charges were never proved in court
b
: to demonstrate as having a particular quality or worth
the vaccine has been proven effective after years of tests proved herself a great actress
2
: to show (oneself) to be worthy or capable
eager to prove myself in the new job
3a
: to test the truth, validity, or genuineness of
the exception proves the rule prove a will at probate
b
: to test the worth or quality of
specifically
: to compare against a standard
—sometimes used with up or out
c
: to check the correctness of (something, such as an arithmetic result)
4
archaic
: to learn or find out by experience
: to turn out especially after trial or test
the new drug proved effective
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Other Words from prove
provable
\ ˈprü-və-bəl
\
adjective
\
adjective
provableness
noun
provably
\ ˈprü-və-blē
\
adverb
\
adverb
prover
\ ˈprü-vər
\
noun
\
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms for prove
Synonyms
demonstrate, document, establish, substantiate, validate
Antonyms
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Examples of prove in a Sentence
The charges against him were never proved in court.
The government failed to prove its case.
It could not be proven that the suspect stole the money.
A person who is charged with a crime is considered innocent until proved guilty.
mathematicians trying to prove a theorem
To prove her point, she got out the old research.
The tests proved the vaccine to be effective.
Her second album was a hit that proved her critics wrong.
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Recent Examples on the Web
The five players will miss the team’s home match against LAFC, a major opportunity for the Lions to prove themselves against the league’s top club. — Julia Poe, Pro Soccer USA, "Five international call-ups reflect growth for Orlando City players," 30 Aug. 2019 Despite stellar name recognition and a devoted cult following, the Waco homes transformed by Fixer Upper power couple Chip and Joanna Gaines have proven notoriously difficult to sell. — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, "WATCH: These 3 Fixer Upper Houses Can’t Seem to Sell," 29 Aug. 2019 Female, 57, cited and released on suspicion of driving without a valid driver’s license, failing to prove financial responsibility to a peace officer, and having an expired registration, 300 block Third Street. — Ramona Sentinel, "Sheriff’s Reports: Aug. 19-25," 27 Aug. 2019 But with new additions Neil Finn and Mike Campbell, Fleetwood Mac truly was like a band reborn at Fiserv Forum, delivering an electric and adventurous show that suggested Fleetwood Mac still had something to prove. 13. — Jr Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The Milwaukee Bucks' Fiserv Forum had a blockbuster first year. Here are the 14 top events from Year 1.," 21 Aug. 2019 Pitching StyleSeat to investors in 2011 proved difficult. — Ineye Komonibo, Marie Claire, "Sarah Kunst's New Venture Capital Fund Invests in Female Entrepreneurship," 19 Aug. 2019 While not all of the couples are still together, these matching looks prove that a good fit lasts forever. — Teen Vogue, "The 12 Best Matching Celebrity Couple Outfits," 19 Aug. 2019 Then the defendant has to prove that the policy is necessary for legitimate, nondiscriminatory results. — Jeff Andrews, Curbed, "HUD proposes rule that would make housing discrimination lawsuits ‘impossible’," 19 Aug. 2019 Ryzen 3000 CPUs kick ass, as proven in our comprehensive Ryzen 7 3900X review. — Brad Chacos, PCWorld, "Pre-binned Ryzen 3000 CPU listings reveal the limits of AMD overclocking potential," 15 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prove.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for prove
prove
verb
English Language Learners Definition of prove
: to show the existence, truth, or correctness of (something) by using evidence, logic, etc.
: to show that (someone or something) has a particular quality, ability, etc.
: to turn out to be
See the full definition for prove in the English Language Learners Dictionary
prove
verb
\ ˈprüv
\
\
proved;
proved
or proven\ ˈprü-vən \;
proving
Kids Definition of prove
1