prove
The scientist proved her theory through experiments.
She showed that her theory was correct by doing experiments.
To demonstrate the truth or existence of something by evidence or argument.
He proved his innocence in court.
The evidence showed that he was not guilty.
Can you prove that you were at home last night?
Can you show evidence that you were at home?
Used in legal, scientific, and everyday contexts to confirm facts.
To subject to a test to determine quality, performance, or reliability.
The new software must prove its stability before release.
The software needs to pass tests to show it works reliably.
Common in engineering and product development.
To turn out to be; to be found to be.
The plan proved successful.
The plan turned out to be successful.
Used to describe the eventual outcome of something.
Collocations
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common Mistakes
Avoid using 'prove' to mean 'try' (e.g., 'I will prove this software' is incorrect; use 'test' instead).
Gold Rule
Rule 1: Evidence Required
To 'prove' something, you must provide evidence or a logical argument. It’s not enough to just claim something.
Rule 2: Past Tense Variations
Both 'proved' and 'proven' are correct as past tense, but 'proven' is more common in American English and as an adjective.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'proven', from Old French 'prover', from Latin 'probare' (to test, approve), from 'probus' (honest, good). Related to 'probation' and 'probe'.
Usage Notes
The past tense and past participle can be 'proved' or 'proven' (more common in American English). 'Proven' is often used as an adjective (e.g., 'a proven method').