B1verbsciencelaw
US/pruːv/
UK/pruːv/
to use facts or evidence to show something is true; also to turn out in the end
In context
The camera footage proved that the taxi driver was not to blame.
She wanted to prove to her parents that she could live alone.
The new road proved very useful during the rainy season.
Words that go with prove
verb + noun
- prove thatCan you prove that you paid the bill?
- prove themselvesNew employees often work late to prove themselves.
verb + adjective
- prove wrongShe proved her critics wrong by winning the gold medal.
- prove usefulThese notes may prove useful before the exam.
- prove difficultFinding a parking space proved difficult.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He proved me that he was right.Correct: He proved to me that he was right.