Definitions for: Prove


[v] establish the validity of something, as by an example, explanation or experiment; "The experiment demonstrated the instability of the compound"; "The mathematician showed the validity of the conjecture"
[v] prove formally; demonstrate by a mathematical, formal proof
[v] obtain probate of, as of a will
[v] provide evidence for; "The blood test showed that he was the father"; "Her behavior testified to her incompetence"
[v] take a trial impression of
[v] cause to puff up with a leaven; of dough; "unleavened bread"
[v] increase in volume; of dough
[v] put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to; "This approach has been tried with good results"; "Test this recipe"
[v] be shown or be found to be; "She proved to be right"; "The medicine turned out to save her life"; "She turend up HIV positive"



Webster (1913) Definition: Prove, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Proved; p. pr. & vb. n.
Proving.] [OE. prover, F. prouver, fr. L. probare to try,
approve, prove, fr. probus good, proper. Cf. Probable,
Proof, Probe.]
1. To try or to ascertain by an experiment, or by a test or
standard; to test; as, to prove the strength of gunpowder
or of ordnance; to prove the contents of a vessel by a
standard measure.

Thou hast proved mine heart. --Ps. xvii. 3.

2. To evince, establish, or ascertain, as truth, reality, or
fact, by argument, testimony, or other evidence.

They have inferred much from slender premises, and
conjectured when they could not prove. --J. H.
Newman.

3. To ascertain or establish the genuineness or validity of;
to verify; as, to prove a will.

4. To gain experience of the good or evil of; to know by
trial; to experience; to suffer.

Where she, captived long, great woes did prove.
--Spenser.

5. (Arith.) To test, evince, ascertain, or verify, as the
correctness of any operation or result; thus, in
subtraction, if the difference between two numbers, added
to the lesser number, makes a sum equal to the greater,
the correctness of the subtraction is proved.

6. (Printing) To take a trial impression of; to take a proof
of; as, to prove a page.

Syn: To try; verify; justify; confirm; establish; evince;
manifest; show; demonstrate.


Prove, v. i.
1. To make trial; to essay.

2. To be found by experience, trial, or result; to turn out
to be; as, a medicine proves salutary; the report proves
false. ``The case proves mortal.'' --Arbuthnot.

So life a winter's morn may prove. --Keble.

3. To succeed; to turn out as expected. [Obs.] ``The
experiment proved not.'' --Bacon.

Synonyms: bear witness, demonstrate, essay, establish, evidence, examine, leaven, raise, shew, show, show, test, testify, try, try out, turn out, turn up

Antonyms: confute, disprove

See Also: abduce, adduce, affirm, attest, authenticate, be, bring up, certify, cite, confirm, contradict, control, corroborate, demonstrate, elevate, ensue, field-test, float, get up, grow, impress, inform, judge, lift, manifest, negate, print, prove, prove, prove oneself, result, rise, stultify, substantiate, support, sustain, verify

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat



Related Resources:
animals begin with d
animals begin with n