Definition of prove
1a
: to establish the existence, truth, or validity of (as by evidence or logic)
prove a theorem the charges were never proved in court
b
: to demonstrate as having a particular quality or worth
proved herself a great actress the vaccine has been proven effective after years of tests
2
: to show (oneself) to be worthy or capable
eager to prove myself in the new job
3a
: to test the truth, validity, or genuineness of
the exception proves the rule prove a will at probate
b
: to test the worth or quality of
specifically
: to compare against a standard
—sometimes used with up or out
c
: to check the correctness of (something, such as an arithmetic result)
4
archaic
: to learn or find out by experience
: to turn out especially after trial or test
the new drug proved effective
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for prove
The first known use of prove was in the 13th century
See more words from the same century