Proof Meaning

UK /pruːf/
US /pruːf/
Word Definition
proof meaning

Proof Definition & Usage

noun

Evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement.

Examples

  • "The lawyer presented proof of the defendant's alibi."
  • "Her research provided clear proof that climate change is accelerating."
  • "Without solid proof, the case cannot be prosecuted."
  • "The proof was in the detailed documents, which showed the company's financial discrepancies."
  • "The professor demanded proof of the hypothesis before moving forward with the experiment."
noun

A demonstration of something's validity or effectiveness, often through practical examples.

Examples

  • "He showed me the proof of his hard work with the finished product."
  • "There's no proof that eating chocolate every day is unhealthy, but it's still not recommended."
  • "They were looking for proof that the new software would actually improve productivity."
  • "She offered proof of her cooking skills by making an incredible dinner."
  • "The proof of a good leader is how they inspire their team to succeed."
noun

A mathematical or logical demonstration that something is correct or true.

Examples

  • "The proof of the theorem was long and complex, but ultimately it was undeniable."
  • "In geometry, proofs are critical for establishing relationships between shapes."
  • "The mathematician worked for hours on the proof before submitting it to the journal."
  • "A rigorous proof is required to validate the claims made in theoretical physics."
  • "The proof of the equation was elegant and beautiful in its simplicity."
verb

To establish the truth or validity of something through evidence or argument.

Examples

  • "The scientist worked tirelessly to prove her hypothesis."
  • "He needs to prove that the allegations against him are false."
  • "Can you prove that you were at the scene of the crime?"
  • "The research will prove that early education has long-term benefits."
  • "I will prove that the project is feasible by showing the results of the pilot test."

Cultural Context

The concept of proof is central to many areas of life, including law, science, mathematics, and everyday conversations. In legal contexts, proof is required to establish guilt or innocence. In science, proof supports hypotheses and theories. In everyday use, 'proof' often refers to evidence that backs up someone's claims or assertions.

The Proof That Changed Everything

Story

The Proof That Changed Everything

It was the final day of the science fair, and Emma was nervously preparing her presentation. She had spent months working on her project about renewable energy sources, and everything was finally in place. The judges, a panel of renowned scientists, walked by her booth, their expressions serious. Emma had heard that the competition was fierce, with hundreds of students participating, each offering groundbreaking ideas. But Emma knew her project was different; she had proof that renewable energy could be scaled up for everyday use. The panel approached her table, and she began her pitch. ‘My research shows that solar energy, when paired with the right storage system, can provide a consistent energy source even in overcast conditions,’ she said, her voice trembling slightly. She then handed them her proof—a set of carefully compiled data that showed her experiment's success. ‘This is the evidence I’ve gathered over the past six months,’ Emma continued, ‘and it proves that solar power can be a viable option for large-scale use.’ The judges glanced at each other, nodding in approval. ‘This is an excellent demonstration of the potential of renewable energy,’ one judge said, ‘Your proof is solid, and the results speak for themselves.’ Emma smiled, her heart racing with excitement. ‘Thank you,’ she replied. As the judges moved on, Emma felt a rush of relief. The proof of her hypothesis had been accepted, and she knew she was one step closer to changing the world. That evening, Emma received the first-place prize, her proof validating her years of hard work and dedication.

The Proof That Changed Everything