Skip to main content

prove — to show that something is true by providing evidence or argument

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to show that something is true by providing evidence or argument

Pronunciation (IPA): /pruːv/

Example Sentences

  • My mom tried to prove that vegetables taste good by hiding them in pizza.
  • He proved his love by eating her terrible cooking with a smile.
  • The experiment proved that cats really do have nine lives.

prove

VERB

[/pruːv/]

to show that something is true by providing evidence or argument

The detective lays out three clues to prove the suspect was at the scene.
💡 Concept

The detective lays out three clues to prove the suspect was at the scene.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/pruːv/
🇬🇧 UK/pruːv/

🌳Etymology

Rootprove

Origin

The word 'prove' derives from Latin 'probare', meaning 'to test' or 'to examine'. In ancient Rome, this term originally referred to the process of verifying and approving something, which evolved into its modern sense of 'to demonstrate the truth of something'.

Breakdown

Latin 'probare' (to test, examine) passed through Old French 'prover' before entering Middle English as 'prove', retaining the fundamental sense of verification and demonstration.

🎵Rhyme

move
groove
improve

🔗Collocations

prove innocent
prove a point
prove yourself
prove wrong
prove effective
scientifically prove

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My mom tried to prove that vegetables taste good by hiding them in pizza.”

😄 Fun example

“He proved his love by eating her terrible cooking with a smile.”

😄 Fun example

“The experiment proved that cats really do have nine lives.”

“You need to prove your identity to enter the building.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.