Proof vs. Prove: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 3, 2023
"Proof" is evidence or demonstration of a fact or truth, while "prove" is the action of establishing the truth or validity of something.
Key Differences
"Proof" and "prove" are closely related in terms of meaning, but they serve different grammatical functions. "Proof" is primarily a noun and signifies evidence or validation that confirms the authenticity or truth of a statement. In contrast, "prove" is a verb that describes the act or process of demonstrating, verifying, or confirming a fact or truth.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
When one talks about "proof," it often conjures the idea of tangible or intangible evidence supporting a claim. For instance, in legal settings, "proof" is essential to confirm allegations or defend against them. On the other hand, "prove" underscores the action. When someone sets out to "prove" something, they are actively working to establish its truth through evidence or argument.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
In everyday conversation, if someone says they have "proof" of an event, they mean they possess evidence of that event's occurrence. Conversely, when someone states they can "prove" something, they are expressing their ability or intention to demonstrate the veracity of a statement or claim.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
In some contexts, "proof" can also refer to a measure of strength, especially concerning alcoholic beverages. For instance, a spirit's "proof" indicates its alcohol content. However, "prove" doesn't have this meaning. Instead, it remains grounded in the idea of validating or confirming.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Another distinction between "proof" and "prove" comes in their usage in idiomatic expressions. Phrases like "the proof of the pudding is in the eating" emphasize evidence through experience. Meanwhile, to "prove oneself" indicates demonstrating one's abilities or worth in a particular situation.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Evidence or validation of truth
Act of establishing truth or validity
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Associated Contexts
Legal settings, measures of alcoholic strength
Process of validation, demonstrating capability
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Idiomatic Expressions
"The proof of the pudding is in the eating."
"She needs to prove herself in her new job."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
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Proof and Prove Definitions
Proof
Evidence supporting a claim or assertion.
The detective found the proof linking the suspect to the crime scene.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Proof
The evidence or argument that compels the mind to accept an assertion as true.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
The validation of a proposition by application of specified rules, as of induction or deduction, to assumptions, axioms, and sequentially derived conclusions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
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Prove
To establish the truth or validity of (something) by the presentation of argument or evidence
The novel proves that the essayist can write in more than one genre. The storm proved him to be wrong in his prediction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
To demonstrate the reality of (something)
He proved his strength by doing 50 pushups.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
Convincing or persuasive demonstration
Was asked for proof of his identity.
An employment history that was proof of her dependability.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
To show (oneself) to be what is specified or to have a certain characteristic
Proved herself to be a formidable debater.
Proved herself to be worthy of the task.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
The state of being convinced or persuaded by consideration of evidence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
To establish by the required amount of evidence
Proved his case in court.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
Determination of the quality of something by testing; trial
Put one's beliefs to the proof.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
The establishment of the truth or falsity of an allegation by evidence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
The evidence offered in support of or in contravention of an allegation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
The alcoholic strength of a liquor, expressed by a number that is twice the percentage by volume of alcohol present.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
A trial sheet of printed material that is made to be checked and corrected. Also called proof sheet.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
A trial impression of a plate, stone, or block taken at any of various stages in engraving.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
To be shown to be such; turn out
A theory that proved impractical in practice.
A schedule that proved to be too demanding.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
Any of a limited number of newly minted coins or medals struck as specimens and for collectors from a new die on a polished planchet.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
(transitive) To demonstrate that something is true or viable; to give proof for.
I will prove that my method is more effective than yours.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
(Archaic) Proven impenetrability
"I was clothed in Armor of proof" (John Bunyan).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
Fully or successfully resistant; impervious. Often used in combination
Waterproof watches.
A fireproof cellar door.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
(copulative) To turn out to be.
Have an exit strategy should your calculations prove incorrect.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
(transitive) To put to the test, to make trial of.
They took the experimental car to the proving-grounds.
The exception proves the rule.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
Used to proofread or correct typeset copy
A proof copy of the manuscript.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
(transitive) To ascertain or establish the genuineness or validity of; to verify.
To prove a will
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
(homeopathy) To determine by experiment which effects a substance causes when ingested.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
To try or to ascertain by an experiment, or by a test or standard; to test; as, to prove the strength of gunpowder or of ordnance; to prove the contents of a vessel by a standard measure.
Thou hast proved mine heart.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
To evince, establish, or ascertain, as truth, reality, or fact, by argument, testimony, or other evidence.
They have inferred much from slender premises, and conjectured when they could not prove.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
To ascertain or establish the genuineness or validity of; to verify; as, to prove a will.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
(countable) An effort, process, or operation designed to establish or discover a fact or truth; an act of testing; a test; a trial.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
To gain experience of the good or evil of; to know by trial; to experience; to suffer.
Where she, captived long, great woes did prove.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
(uncountable) The degree of evidence which convinces the mind of any truth or fact, and produces belief; a test by facts or arguments which induce, or tend to induce, certainty of the judgment; conclusive evidence; demonstration.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
To test, evince, ascertain, or verify, as the correctness of any operation or result; thus, in subtraction, if the difference between two numbers, added to the lesser number, makes a sum equal to the greater, the correctness of the subtraction is proved.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
The quality or state of having been proved or tried; firmness or hardness which resists impression, or does not yield to force; impenetrability of physical bodies.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
To take a trial impression of; to take a proof of; as, to prove a page.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
To be found by experience, trial, or result; to turn out to be; as, a medicine proves salutary; the report proves false.
So life a winter's morn may prove.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
A proof sheet; a trial impression, as from type, taken for correction or examination.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
(numismatics) A limited-run high-quality strike of a particular coin, originally as a test run, although nowadays mostly for collectors' sets.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
Be shown or be found to be;
She proved to be right
The medicine turned out to save her life
She turned up HIV positive
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
A sequence of statements consisting of axioms, assumptions, statements already demonstrated in another proof, and statements that logically follow from previous statements in the sequence, and which concludes with a statement that is the object of the proof.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
Establish the validity of something, as by an example, explanation or experiment;
The experiment demonstrated the instability of the compound
The mathematician showed the validity of the conjecture
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
A process for testing the accuracy of an operation performed. Compare prove, transitive verb, 5.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
Provide evidence for;
The blood test showed that he was the father
Her behavior testified to her incompetence
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
(obsolete) Armour of excellent or tried quality, and deemed impenetrable; properly, armour of proof.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
(US) A measure of the alcohol content of liquor. Originally, in Britain, 100 proof was defined as 57.1% by volume (no longer used). In the US, 100 proof means that the alcohol content is 50% of the total volume of the liquid; thus, absolute alcohol would be 200 proof.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
Put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to;
This approach has been tried with good results
Test this recipe
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
Firm or successful in resisting.
Proof against harm
Waterproof; bombproof
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
(of alcoholic liquors) Being of a certain standard as to alcohol content.
60% proof liquor
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
To establish the truth or validity of something through evidence.
He worked hard to prove his theory.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Proof
To test-fire with a load considerably more powerful than the firearm in question's rated maximum chamber pressure, in order to establish the firearm's ability to withstand pressures well in excess of those expected in service without bursting.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Prove
To turn out to be.
The journey proved to be more challenging than anticipated.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Prove
To validate the authenticity of something.
The document was proved to be a genuine artifact from the 18th century.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Proof
Any effort, process, or operation designed to establish or discover a fact or truth; an act of testing; a test; a trial.
For whatsoever mother wit or artCould work, he put in proof.
You shall have many proofs to show your skill.
Formerly, a very rude mode of ascertaining the strength of spirits was practiced, called the proof.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
That degree of evidence which convinces the mind of any truth or fact, and produces belief; a test by facts or arguments that induce, or tend to induce, certainty of the judgment; conclusive evidence; demonstration.
I'll have some proof.
It is no proof of a man's understanding to be able to confirm whatever he pleases.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
The quality or state of having been proved or tried; firmness or hardness that resists impression, or does not yield to force; impenetrability of physical bodies.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
A trial impression, as from type, taken for correction or examination; - called also proof sheet.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
Armor of excellent or tried quality, and deemed impenetrable; properly, armor of proof.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
Firm or successful in resisting; as, proof against harm; waterproof; bombproof.
I . . . have found theeProof against all temptation.
This was a good, stout proof article of faith.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
Being of a certain standard as to strength; - said of alcoholic liquors.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
Any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something;
If you have any proof for what you say, now is the time to produce it
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
A formal series of statements showing that if one thing is true something else necessarily follows from it
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
A measure of alcoholic strength expressed as an integer twice the percentage of alcohol present (by volume)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
Make or take a proof of, such as a photographic negative, an etching, or typeset
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
Make resistant to water, sound, errors, etc.;
Proof the materials against shrinking in the dryer
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
(used in combination or as a suffix) able to withstand;
Temptation-proof
Childproof locks
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2022
Proof
A measure of the strength of alcoholic beverages.
The whiskey is 80 proof, indicating it's 40% alcohol.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Proof
The quality or state of being resistant (e.g., waterproof).
This jacket is waterproof, providing proof against rain.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Proof
A trial print of something.
The author reviewed the first proof of her novel.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Proof
An act of testing something to ensure functionality or quality.
The company conducted a proof of the new software to check for bugs.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
FAQs
What is the primary grammatical difference between "proof" and "prove"?
"Proof" is a noun, while "prove" is a verb.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can "proof" refer to alcohol content?
Yes, "proof" can indicate the strength of alcoholic beverages.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
In mathematics, do "proof" and "prove" have specific roles?
Yes, a "proof" is a logical argument confirming a proposition, while to "prove" means to establish a theorem's truth.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
If someone has "proof," what do they possess?
They possess evidence or validation supporting a particular fact or claim.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
What does it mean to "prove oneself"?
It means to demonstrate one's abilities or worth in a particular context.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Can "proof" be a verb?
Yes, but it's less common. For example, in baking, to "proof" yeast means to let it ferment.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
What action does "prove" describe?
"Prove" describes the act of establishing or demonstrating the truth or validity of something.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can "prove" indicate the outcome of something?
Yes, for instance, a situation can "prove" to be beneficial or detrimental.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Which word is related to the act of testing or demonstrating?
Both can be, but "prove" typically relates to the action, while "proof" pertains to the evidence or result.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
What might "prove" suggest in the context of personal growth?
It suggests the action of demonstrating growth, capability, or change.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can both words be related to validation?
Yes, "proof" is the evidence of validation, and "prove" is the act of validating.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Can "prove" relate to subjecting something to a test?
Yes, you might "prove" a material to check its durability.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
Is "proof" only used in legal contexts?
No, while "proof" is used in legal settings, it also has broader applications like measuring alcohol strength or indicating resistance.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Is "prove" used in expressions?
Yes, like "prove me wrong" or "prove your worth."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Can "proof" relate to printing?
Yes, a "proof" can be a trial print or preliminary version of printed material.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Can the words be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different grammatical functions and have distinct meanings.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
How might "proof" be used in photography?
A "proof" might be a test print or a preliminary version of a photograph.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
How is "proof" related to resistance or protection?
"Proof" can indicate the quality of being resistant, like being waterproof or fireproof.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
If something "proves wrong," what does it mean?
It means that something turned out to be incorrect or not as assumed.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Which word, between "proof" and "prove," relates to the final evidence?
"Proof" typically refers to the final evidence or validation.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
