prove

verb

proved; proved or proven ˈprü-vən How to pronounce prove (audio)
 British also  ˈprō-
; proving ˈprü-viŋ How to pronounce prove (audio)

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 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.

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 Much like his dad, Adonis loves basketball and has proven to be a big LaMelo fan in the past. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 4 Mar. 2024 The third time proved to be the charm, as Kimi snagged three yeses that sent him to Hollywood. Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 Mental health and related psychological problems such as loneliness may prove to be one of the most significant barriers to human flourishing and progress in our time. Clay Routledge, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 Those young linemen are proven but still have the upside to grow as protectors for Young. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 In a Manhattan courtroom Friday, prosecutors told a judge that further investigation proved Boada did not participate in the attack. Jake Offenhartz The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 3 Mar. 2024 In an era when many walk into first dates armed with only the paltry details on a Hinge or Tinder profile, crowdsourcing information within the groups has proved popular. Marisa Iati, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2024 In turn, this has proven benefits that extend beyond shedding pounds. Joshua Cohen, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Thus, contingent consideration proves an effective way to bridge these risks and reduce bid-ask spreads that have widened since the pandemic. Mary Josephs, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prove.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of prove was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near prove

Cite this Entry

“Prove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prove. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

prove

verb
proved; proved or proven ˈprü-vən How to pronounce prove (audio) ; 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 adjective

Legal Definition

prove

transitive verb
proved; proved or proven ˈprü-vən How to pronounce prove (audio) ; 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 adjective
provableness noun
provably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on prove

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