prove

verb

ˈprüv 

proved; proved or proven ˈprü-vən 

 British also  ˈprō-

; proving ˈprü-viŋ 

transitive verb

1

a

: 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

proved herself a great actress

the vaccine has been proven effective after years of tests

2

: to show (oneself) to be worthy or capable

eager to prove myself in the new job

3

a

: 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

intransitive verb

: to turn out especially after trial or test

the new drug proved effective

prover

ˈprü-vər 

noun

proved or proven?: Usage Guide

The past participle proven, originally the past participle of preve, a Middle English variant of prove that survived in Scotland, has gradually worked its way into standard English over the past three and a half centuries. It seems to have first become established in legal use and to have come only slowly into literary use. Tennyson was one of its earliest frequent users, probably for metrical reasons. It was disapproved by 19th century grammarians, one of whom included it in a list of "words that are not words." Surveys made some 50 or 60 years ago indicated that proved was about four times as frequent as proven. But our evidence from the last 30 or 35 years shows this no longer to be the case. As a past participle proven is now about as frequent as proved in all contexts. As an attributive adjective

proved or proven gas reserves

proven is much more common than proved.

Synonyms

• demonstrate
• document
• establish
• substantiate
• validate

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

The decision immediately proved controversial, with the crowd loudly booing both players during their run. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025

But Saturday’s loss to the Pirates, who came in sitting in last place in the Big East and on a nine-game losing skid, proved the two-time reigning champs still have a long ways to go. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 16 Feb. 2025

His athleticism proved pivotal in the St. John’s press. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025

The participating chefs actually go head-to-head in a culinary battle, which should prove highly entertaining, especially at a late night event in South Beach, with plenty of libations. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French prover, pruver, from Latin probare to test, prove, from probus good, honest, from pro- for, in favor + -bus (akin to Old English bēon to be) — more at pro-, be

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 4

Phrases Containing prove

• go to show/prove
• have (got) nothing left to prove
• prove a point
• prove oneself
• prove one's manhood
• prove one's mettle
• prove out
• prove (to be) useful
• what are you trying to prove

Kids Definition

prove

verb

ˈprüv 

proved; proved or proven ˈprü-vən  ; proving

1

: to test by an experiment or a standard

prove gold

2

a

: to show the truth of by evidence

prove the charges

proved she could handle the job

b

: to check the correctness of (as an arithmetic solution)

3

: to show the genuineness of

prove a will

4

: to turn out especially after trial or test

the new automobile engine proved to be impractical

provable

ˈprü-və-bəl 

adjective

Legal Definition

prove

transitive verb

ˈprüv 

proved; proved or proven ˈprü-vən  ; proving

1

: to test the truth, validity, or genuineness of

prove a will at probate

2

a

: to establish the existence, truth, or validity of

the charges were never proved in court

b

: to provide sufficient proof of or that

proved the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt

provable

ˈprü-və-bəl 

adjective

provableness noun

provably

ˈprü-və-blē 

adverb