Proved: meaning, definitions and examples

✔️
Add to dictionary

proved

 

[pruːv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

mathematics

Demonstrate the truth or existence of (something) by evidence or argument.

Synonyms

confirm, establish, verify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
proved

This word is used when you have already demonstrated the truth or validity of something through evidence or argument.

  • She proved her skills by winning the competition.
  • They proved their theory with scientific research.
establish

This term fits best when you lay down a foundation or make something start to be recognized officially.

  • They established a new company last year.
  • The study aims to establish a connection between diet and health.
confirm

Use 'confirm' when you want to remove any doubts or add certainty to a fact or situation that is already somewhat accepted.

  • Can you confirm the reservation for tonight?
  • The weather forecast confirmed our fears of a storm.
verify

Use 'verify' when you need to check the truth, accuracy, or validity of something, usually through careful examination or comparison.

  • The bank needs to verify your identity before opening an account.
  • Can you verify these calculations?

Examples of usage

  • He proved his theorem using complex equations.
  • The experiment proved that the hypothesis was correct.
  • The data proved the theory to be flawed.
Context #2 | Verb

testing

Be shown or found to be.

Synonyms

demonstrate, indicate, show.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
proved

Used when providing evidence or confirmation of a fact or theory. It often appears in formal contexts, like academic or legal settings.

  • The experiment proved that the hypothesis was correct.
  • He proved his innocence in court.
demonstrate

Appropriate for showing how something works or displaying a skill or process. Common in educational, instructional, and presentation contexts.

  • The teacher will demonstrate the experiment to the class.
  • He could not demonstrate the software's features effectively.
show

A general term used in both formal and informal settings to reveal or display something. It is versatile and widely applicable.

  • Let me show you how to solve this problem.
  • The results show that our efforts are paying off.
indicate

Used to suggest or point out something indirectly. Typically found in contexts where subtlety is required, such as research or analysis.

  • The data indicate a downward trend in sales.
  • Her smile seemed to indicate approval.

Examples of usage

  • The new drug proved effective in treating the disease.
  • Her dedication proved invaluable to the team.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'probare', which means 'to test or to prove'.
  • In Old French, 'prover' meant to demonstrate or establish a fact.
  • The term has been used in English since the 14th century, evolving in legal contexts to indicate confirmation of claims.

Science

  • In the scientific method, ideas must be proved through experiments and observations before they are accepted as facts.
  • Theories in science are continually tested and may be disproved, showing the dynamic nature of proof in knowledge.
  • Proving something in science often involves replicating results multiple times to ensure reliability.

Law

  • In legal contexts, to prove something often means to establish the truth of a matter in court through evidence.
  • The burden of proof is a key principle in law, determining which party must prove their case.
  • Different standards of proof exist, such as 'beyond a reasonable doubt' in criminal cases and 'preponderance of the evidence' in civil cases.

Philosophy

  • Proof in philosophy often pertains to validating arguments, where rational evidence is needed to support claims.
  • The concept of 'proof' varies significantly across different philosophical schools, influencing how beliefs are established.
  • Notable philosophers, such as Immanuel Kant, explored the nature of knowledge and how we can truly prove something.

Pop Culture

  • In many television shows and movies, characters may seek to prove their abilities in competitions or challenges, highlighting personal growth.
  • Famous quotes from pop culture often revolve around proof, such as 'Actions speak louder than words,' emphasizing showing rather than just telling.
  • Reality shows frequently include challenges where participants must prove their skills or worthiness to win.

Translations

Translations of the word "proved" in other languages:

🇵🇹 provado

🇮🇳 सिद्ध

🇩🇪 bewiesen

🇮🇩 terbukti

🇺🇦 доведений

🇵🇱 udowodniony

🇯🇵 証明された

🇫🇷 prouvé

🇪🇸 probado

🇹🇷 kanıtlanmış

🇰🇷 증명된

🇸🇦 مثبت

🇨🇿 prokázaný

🇸🇰 dokázaný

🇨🇳 证明了的

🇸🇮 dokazan

🇮🇸 sannaður

🇰🇿 дәлелденген

🇬🇪 დამტკიცებული

🇦🇿 sübut olunmuş

🇲🇽 probado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,272, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.