prove
gb/pɹˈuv/ us/pɹˈuv/
B1
English
~ 700
bizonyít, bebizonyít, tesztel, bevizsgál, keleszt, kel
VERB
B1
1
bizonyít
B1
bebizonyít
B1
Usage pattern:
to prove [something]
She proved her innocence with new evidence.
Új bizonyítékokkal bizonyította be az ártatlanságát.
This experiment will prove whether the theory is correct.
Ez a kísérlet fogja bizonyítani, hogy helyes-e az elmélet.
The lawyer tried to prove his client's case.
He proved that he could handle the job under pressure.
Learner examples
I can prove my answer is right.
Bizonyítani tudom, hogy a válaszom helyes.
She proved she was a good worker.
Bizonyította, hogy jó munkaerő.
They proved the idea works.
He proved his story was true.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'prove' with 'test'; 'prove' means to show it is true, while 'test' means to check if it is true.
Meaning
Show truth with evidence
Collocations
prove innocence
|prove a point
|prove wrong
|prove theory
Synonyms
demonstrate (Often used in academic or formal contexts to mean showing by example or experiment.)
Antonyms
disprove (Means to show that something is false or incorrect.)
Themes
law
|science
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Definition
To show that something is true by giving facts or reasons.
To demonstrate the truth or validity of something by presenting evidence or logical reasoning.
VERB
B2
2
bizonyít
B1
Usage pattern:
to prove [oneself]
He proved himself as a reliable leader.
Megbízható vezetőként bizonyított.
The young player proved her talent during the match.
A fiatal játékos a mérkőzés alatt bizonyította a tehetségét.
She proved she could manage the project effectively.
Learner examples
I want to prove I can do it.
Bizonyítani akarom, hogy meg tudom csinálni.
She proved she is a good student.
Bizonyította, hogy jó tanuló.
He proved himself at work.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with proving facts; here it is about showing qualities or skills.
Meaning
Show ability or quality
Collocations
prove oneself
|prove capability
|prove worth
Synonyms
establish (In this context, means to show something clearly, often over time.)
Antonyms
fail (To be unsuccessful in showing ability or worth.)
Themes
work
|sports
|personal development
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To show what you can do or what you are like by your actions.
To demonstrate one's abilities, qualities, or character through actions or results.
VERB
B2
TECHNICAL
3
Usage pattern:
to prove [equipment/system/theory]
The engineers proved the new engine design before production.
A mérnökök gyártás előtt tesztelték az új motorkonstrukciót.
We need to prove the safety system before use.
Használat előtt tesztelnünk kell a biztonsági rendszert.
The device was proved in extreme conditions.
Learner examples
They proved the machine works.
Teszteléssel igazolták, hogy a gép működik.
We proved the idea in a test.
Egy tesztben kipróbáltuk az ötletet.
The team proved the plan is safe.
Meaning
Test to confirm quality
Collocations
prove concept
|prove design
|prove system
Synonyms
verify (Often used in technical contexts for confirming correctness or accuracy.)
Antonyms
invalidate (To show that something is not valid or correct.)
Themes
engineering
|science
|technology
|work
Definition
To check something to see if it works well or is correct.
To test something in order to confirm its quality, performance, or accuracy.
VERB
B1
TECHNICAL
4
Usage pattern:
to prove [dough/bread]
Leave the dough to prove for one hour.
Hagyd a tésztát egy órán át kelni.
The baker is proving the bread before putting it in the oven.
A pék keleszti a kenyeret, mielőtt betenné a sütőbe.
You should prove the dough in a warm place.
Learner examples
Let the bread prove for an hour.
Hagyd a kenyeret egy órán át kelni.
We proved the dough before baking.
Sütés előtt megkelesztettük a tésztát.
The baker is proving the bread now.
Meaning
Let dough rise before baking
Collocations
prove dough
|prove bread
Synonyms
ferment (In baking, refers specifically to the yeast causing dough to rise.)
Themes
cooking
|food_drink
|daily_life
Definition
To let bread dough get bigger before you bake it.
In baking, to allow bread dough to rest so that it rises before baking.
Grammar
Dictionary form
prove
IPA
GB/pɹˈuv/
US/pɹˈuv/
Syllables & stress
prove (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (prove)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: prove
- 3rd Person Singular: proves
- Present Participle: proving
- Past: proved
- Past Participle: proved
Word family
Forms
proves
verb
proving
verb
proved
verb
Core family
proof
noun B1
provable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
disprove
verb
unproven
adjective
Advanced or less common
disproof
noun
Expressions
prove a point
1/pɹˈuv ə pˈɔɪnt/
fixed phrase
Show argument is correct
To show that your idea or opinion is right by doing something.
Examples
- He only joined the contest to prove a point.
- She proved her point with clear evidence.
the exception proves the rule
1/ðə ɪksˈɛpʃən pɹˈuvz ðə ɹˈul/
idiom
An exception supports a general rule
A rare case shows that a general rule is usually true.
Examples
- In most cities, shops close early, but here they're open late – the exception proves the rule.
- Her success without training is rare; the exception proves the rule.
prove someone wrong
1/pɹˈuv sˈʌmwˌʌn ɹˈɔŋ/
fixed phrase
Show someone is incorrect
To show that what someone said or thought is not true.
Examples
- She proved him wrong by finishing the race first.
- She proved them wrong by finishing first in the race.
- I love proving people wrong when they doubt me.
- The results proved me wrong.