What does prove mean?
To prove something is to establish its truth, existence, or reality through evidence, demonstration, or convincing argument. The word is used when a claim needs support: investigators prove a theory, tests prove a relationship, or a person proves that they can succeed. Its related sense of demonstrating a quality appears in expressions such as “prove their worth” and “prove themselves.” “Prove” is generally formal and neutral, though it can sound slightly adversarial when directed at someone who has made an accusation, as in “prove it.” The related noun “proof” denotes evidence or the act of establishing something, while “proven” is the usual form of the past participle in careful written English. Overall, the word expresses the conversion of uncertainty into a well-supported conclusion.
verbTo establish the truth or existence of something by providing evidence or convincing arguments. It can also mean to demonstrate that someone or something has a particular quality or that a situation is real.
- To establish the truth of something by presenting evidence or reasoning.
- To demonstrate that someone or something has a particular quality or characteristic.
- To show the existence or occurrence of something.
"The new research seems to prove that regular exercise can improve sleep quality."
"The investigators are working to prove that the fire started accidentally."
"The athletes proved themselves capable of competing at the highest level."
In court, a fact is said to be proven when the evidence establishes it beyond a reasonable doubt.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prove come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin probare, meaning “to test” or “to approve,” a verb related to probus, meaning “good” or “honest.” In Middle English, it developed the sense of testing something and then establishing its truth through evidence. The same Latin root is reflected in related words such as approve, disapprove, probation, and probe.
Related word forms
How prove is actually used
The past participle is commonly written as “proven” in formal standard English, especially in expressions such as “proven guilty” and “proven beyond doubt,” although “proved” remains widely accepted and common. “Prove” is formal and can sound slightly challenging or confrontational when used in the sense of showing someone wrong.
Easily confused with prove
To prove something is to demonstrate its truth or existence, whereas to improve something is to make it better.