Proof: meaning, definitions and examples

🔍
Add to dictionary

proof

 

[ pruːf ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

evidence

Evidence or argument establishing or helping to establish a fact or the truth of a statement. It can also refer to a trial print of a page, made for the correction of errors.

Synonyms

confirmation, evidence, verification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
proof

This word is commonly used in everyday situations to mean something that establishes the truth or validity of a claim.

  • Do you have any proof that she was there? The photo serves as proof of their attendance
evidence

Usually used in legal, scientific, or investigative contexts to refer to material or information that helps in forming a conclusion or judgment.

  • The lawyer presented new evidence in court
  • There is little evidence to support his theory
confirmation

Typically used to indicate a formal acknowledgment or validation of something, often in business or official settings.

  • We are waiting for confirmation from the bank
  • The airline sent a confirmation of my flight reservation
verification

Often used in technical, procedural, or formal contexts where the accuracy or authenticity of information needs to be checked or validated.

  • The document requires verification by a notary
  • Can you provide verification of your identity?

Examples of usage

  • He knew that the burden of proof would be upon him to demonstrate his innocence.
  • She marked up the document with corrections after receiving the proof from the printer.
  • The prosecutor presented proof of the defendant's guilt to the jury.
  • The DNA evidence provided irrefutable proof of his involvement in the crime.
  • The proof of her talent was evident in the flawless performance.
Context #2 | Verb

demonstrate

To provide evidence or argument establishing or helping to establish the fact or truth of a statement.

Synonyms

confirm, demonstrate, substantiate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
proof

Best used in situations involving evidence or facts that confirm something is true beyond a doubt. Common in legal, scientific, and formal contexts.

  • The prosecution presented enough proof to convict the defendant.
  • Do you have proof of your claim?
demonstrate

Typically used in educational, technical, or formal presentations to show how something works or to explain a concept.

  • The teacher will demonstrate the experiment in class.
  • He demonstrated his skills during the job interview.
confirm

Suitable for everyday situations where you need to verify or validate something. Often used in conversations, emails, and documentation.

  • Can you confirm your attendance at the meeting tomorrow?
  • We need to confirm your reservation.
substantiate

Utilized in formal or academic contexts where providing supporting evidence or arguments is necessary. Often involves thorough documentation.

  • The scientist had to substantiate her theory with rigorous research.
  • Can you substantiate your allegations?

Examples of usage

  • He needed to proof his theory with solid evidence.
  • She was able to proof her point through thorough experimentation.
  • The data collected helped to proof the hypothesis.
  • The witness testimony helped to proof the defendant's innocence.

Translations

Translations of the word "proof" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prova

🇮🇳 प्रमाण

🇩🇪 Beweis

🇮🇩 bukti

🇺🇦 доказ

🇵🇱 dowód

🇯🇵 証拠 (shouko)

🇫🇷 preuve

🇪🇸 prueba

🇹🇷 kanıt

🇰🇷 증거 (jeunggeo)

🇸🇦 دليل (dalil)

🇨🇿 důkaz

🇸🇰 dôkaz

🇨🇳 证据 (zhèngjù)

🇸🇮 dokaz

🇮🇸 sönnun

🇰🇿 дәлел

🇬🇪 მტკიცებულება (mtkicebuleba)

🇦🇿 sübut

🇲🇽 prueba

Etymology

The word 'proof' originated from the Old French word 'prove' which means 'to test'. It entered the English language in the 13th century with the meaning of 'evidence' or 'demonstration'. Over time, 'proof' has evolved to represent not only evidence or confirmation but also a trial print for correction. The term is commonly used in legal contexts to establish facts or truth.

See also: disproof, proofread, proofreader, proofreading, reproof.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,399, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.