Definition of proof
1a : the cogency of evidence that compels acceptance by the mind of a truth or a factb : the process or an instance of establishing the validity of a statement especially by derivation from other statements in accordance with principles of reasoning
2 obsolete : experience
3 : something that induces certainty or establishes validity
4 archaic : the quality or state of having been tested or tried; especially : unyielding hardness
5 : evidence operating to determine the finding or judgment of a tribunal
6a plural proofs or proof : a copy (as of typeset text) made for examination or correctionb : a test impression of an engraving, etching, or lithographc : a coin that is struck from a highly polished die on a polished planchet, is not intended for circulation, and sometimes differs in metallic content from coins of identical design struck for circulationd : a test photographic print made from a negative
7 : a test applied to articles or substances to determine whether they are of standard or satisfactory quality
8a : the minimum alcoholic strength of proof spiritb : strength with reference to the standard for proof spirit; specifically : alcoholic strength indicated by a number that is twice the percent by volume of alcohol present whiskey of 90 proof is 45 percent alcohol
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Examples of proof in a Sentence
The document was proof that her story was true.
He claims that he was home when the murder was committed, but he has no proof.
The proof shows that the theorem is true.
Origin and Etymology of proof
Middle English prof, prove, alteration of preve, from Anglo-French preove, from Late Latin proba, from Latin probare to prove — more at prove
First Known Use: 13th century
Other Logic Terms
proof
Definition of proof
1 : able to resist or repel boots that were … proof against cold and wet — Robertson Davies —often used in combination windproof
2 : used in proving or testing or as a standard of comparison
3 : of standard strength or quality or alcoholic content
1583
First Known Use of proof
1583
proof
Definition of proof
transitive verb
1a : to make or take a proof or test ofb : proofread
2 : to give a resistant quality to
3 : to activate (yeast) by mixing with water and sometimes sugar or milk
proofer
nounExamples of proof in a Sentence
She proofed the story carefully.
Circa 1699
First Known Use of proof
circa 1699
Other Printing Terms
epigraph, errata, leader, mechanical, notch, tittle, underscore, widow
PROOF Defined for English Language Learners
proof
playDefinition of proof for English Language Learners
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: something which shows that something else is true or correct
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: an act or process of showing that something is true
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mathematics : a test which shows that a calculation is correct
proof
Definition of proof for English Language Learners
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: designed or made to prevent or protect against something harmful
PROOF Defined for Kids
Definition of proof for Students
1 : evidence of truth or correctness “… Is there any clear proof … or is it mere hearsay?” — Robert Lawson, Rabbit Hill
2 : a printing (as from type) prepared for study and correction
3 : a test print made from a photographic negative
4 : 1test 2 Let's put her theory to the proof.
Definition of proof for Students
: able to keep out something that could be harmful The seal on the bottle is proof against tampering. Hint: The adjective proof is usually used in compounds. waterproof
Law Dictionary
proof
Legal Definition of proof
1 : the effect of evidence sufficient to persuade a reasonable person that a particular fact exists — see also evidence
2 : the establishment or persuasion by evidence that a particular fact exists — see also burden of proof
3 : something (as evidence) that proves or tends to prove the existence of a particular fact — see also clear and convincing, preponderance of the evidence, reasonable doubt, standard of proof — compare allegation, argument
4 : probate 1a
Origin and Etymology of proof
alteration of Middle English preove, from Old French preuve, from Late Latin proba, from Latin probare to prove
Learn More about proof
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See words that rhyme with proof Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for proof Spanish Central: Translation of proof Nglish: Translation of proof for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of proof for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about proof
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