Proof
pruːf
Definitions
4 meaningsEvidence or argument that confirms the truth of something.
pruːf
Evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement.
The detective gathered proof to solve the mystery.
💡 Simply: Proof is like the evidence you show to prove something is true. Like showing your mom your report card as proof you got good grades.
👶 For kids: Proof is like showing something to show it's true!
More Examples
Can you provide proof that you were at the library last night?
The scientist searched for proof to support his theory.
How It's Used
"The prosecution presented irrefutable proof of the defendant's guilt."
"The experiment provided proof of the hypothesis."
A trial impression used to check for errors before the final version.
pruːf
A trial impression of a print or other reproduced material.
The publisher sent the manuscript out for proofreading.
💡 Simply: A proof is like a draft copy of a magazine or book that people check for mistakes before it gets printed.
👶 For kids: A proof is like a test copy to see if a picture or paper is right before it's printed.
More Examples
The editor reviewed the proofs for any typos or formatting issues.
The author was asked to approve the final proofs of her book.
How It's Used
"The designer reviewed the proofs before giving the final approval."
"The editor checked the galley proofs for errors."
To read and check for errors.
pruːf
To check or examine (something) for errors.
The copy editor will proof the article before it is published.
💡 Simply: To proof something is to read it carefully and check for mistakes. Like when you check your homework before you give it to the teacher.
👶 For kids: To proof is to read and check for any mistakes.
More Examples
She carefully proofed her essay for any grammatical errors.
Before sending out the email, he proofed it for any typos.
How It's Used
"He proofed the manuscript to remove any typos."
"Before submitting your essay, proof it carefully."
The alcoholic content, measured as a percentage of alcohol in a beverage.
pruːf
The degree of alcohol content.
The label on the bottle indicated the alcohol's proof.
💡 Simply: Proof is like how strong a drink with alcohol is. Like a drink with a high proof is stronger and contains more alcohol.
👶 For kids: Proof tells you how much alcohol is in a drink.
More Examples
The proof of the spirit determined its potency.
He preferred drinks with a lower proof to avoid intoxication.
How It's Used
"The whiskey had a high proof, indicating a high alcohol content."
"This vodka has a proof of 80."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
the proof of the pudding is in the eating
The true value or quality of something can only be judged after it has been tested or experienced.
"We can't know if the new software will be useful until we use it – the proof of the pudding is in the eating."
From Old French *prove* (to test, prove) and ultimately from Latin *probare* (to test, approve).
The word 'proof' has been used in English since the late 13th century, evolving from its origins in Old French and Latin to signify evidence, testing, and ultimately, confirmation.
Memory tip
Think of the 'roof' of a house; it provides protection and stability, just as proof establishes certainty.
Word Origin
"to test, to prove"