prove

5 definitions • 17 examples

to show a particular result after a period of time:

The operation proved a complete success.

The dispute over the song rights proved impossible to resolve.

[ L (+ to be) ] The new treatment has proved to be a disaster.

to show that you are good at something:

I wish he'd stop trying to prove himself all the time.

to show that something is true:

[ + that ] They suspected that she'd killed him but they could never actually prove that it was her.

[ + adj ] They proved him innocent/guilty.

Under the present system, you're innocent until proven guilty.

[ + question word ] "I lost £30 on the bus." "That just goes to prove what an idiot you are!"

Computers have been used to prove mathematical theorems.

That theory was proved false.

He's so aggressive - it's as if he's always trying to prove something.

to show after a time or by experience that something or someone has a particular quality:

[ L ] The dispute over rights to the song could prove impossible to resolve.

[ + to infinitive ] The new safety procedures have so far proven to be satisfactory.

As a newcomer, I felt I had to prove myself (= show I am skilled).

to make it clear that something is or is not true:

They suspected she cheated, but they could never prove it.

[ + (that) clause ] I had to take all my records to the bank to prove (that) the mistake was theirs.

Under our legal system, you’re innocent until proven guilty.