prove
gb/pɹˈuv/ us/pɹˈuv/
B1
English
~ 700
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Show truth with evidence
To show that something is true by giving facts or reasons.
Usage pattern:
to prove [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'prove' with 'test'; 'prove' means to show it is true, while 'test' means to check if it is true.
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.)
Collocations
prove innocence
|prove a point
|prove wrong
|prove theory
Themes
law
|science
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Examples
- She proved her innocence with new evidence.
- This experiment will prove whether the theory is correct.
- 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.
- She proved she was a good worker.
- They proved the idea works.
- He proved his story was true.
Verb
B2
action
2
Show ability or quality
To show what you can do or what you are like by your actions.
Usage pattern:
to prove [oneself]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with proving facts; here it is about showing qualities or skills.
Synonyms
establish (In this context, means to show something clearly, often over time.)
Antonyms
fail (To be unsuccessful in showing ability or worth.)
Collocations
prove oneself
|prove capability
|prove worth
Themes
work
|sports
|personal development
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He proved himself as a reliable leader.
- The young player proved her talent during the match.
- She proved she could manage the project effectively.
Learner examples
- I want to prove I can do it.
- She proved she is a good student.
- He proved himself at work.
Verb
technical
B2
action
3
Test to confirm quality
To check something to see if it works well or is correct.
Usage pattern:
to prove [equipment/system/theory]
Synonyms
verify (Often used in technical contexts for confirming correctness or accuracy.)
Antonyms
invalidate (To show that something is not valid or correct.)
Collocations
prove concept
|prove design
|prove system
Themes
engineering
|science
|technology
|work
Examples
- The engineers proved the new engine design before production.
- We need to prove the safety system before use.
- The device was proved in extreme conditions.
Learner examples
- They proved the machine works.
- We proved the idea in a test.
- The team proved the plan is safe.
Verb
technical
B1
action
4
Let dough rise before baking
To let bread dough get bigger before you bake it.
Usage pattern:
to prove [dough/bread]
Synonyms
ferment (In baking, refers specifically to the yeast causing dough to rise.)
Collocations
prove dough
|prove bread
Themes
cooking
|food_drink
|daily_life
Examples
- Leave the dough to prove for one hour.
- The baker is proving the bread before putting it in the oven.
- You should prove the dough in a warm place.
Learner examples
- Let the bread prove for an hour.
- We proved the dough before baking.
- The baker is proving the bread now.
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.