What is prove? Pronunciation and usage in English

prove means . Learn how to pronounce and use prove through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of prove

proveverb

/pruːv/
Definition & pronunciation of prove

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "prove." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /prəʊv/ (British English) or /pruːv/ (American English)

Let's break it down further:

  • "pro": This part sounds like "proh" – think of the "pro" in "problem." The "o" is a rounded vowel sound, like in "go."
  • "ve": This is where it gets tricky! The "ve" is pronounced as a single sound, almost like "v" followed immediately by "oo." It’s a diphthong (a combination of two vowel sounds). The "oo" sound is similar to the "oo" in "food" or "moon."

Here’s a way to think about it:

Imagine saying "proh-v" and then smoothly connecting the sounds, blending the "proh" and the "v" into a single "v" sound with a rounded "oo" in the middle.

Resources to help you hear it:

To summarize:

Pronunciation: /prəʊv/ (British) or /pruːv/ (American)

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Usage and examples with the word prove in English

Let's break down how to use the word "prove" in English. It has several different meanings and grammatical uses, so understanding the context is key. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. As a Verb – To Demonstrate Something is True

This is the most common use. "Prove" means to show or establish something as being true or real.

  • Structure: Subject + Prove + Object + (that) + Clause
  • Examples:
    • "I need to prove that I did my homework." (You need to demonstrate you completed it.)
    • "Scientists are trying to prove the theory of relativity." (They're working to establish its validity.)
    • "Can you prove your identity?" (Show me your ID to confirm who you are.)
    • "The evidence proved his innocence." (The evidence showed he didn't do it.)
    • "She proved to be a very talented musician." (She demonstrated her musical ability.)

2. As a Verb – To Test Something

“Prove” can also mean to test something to see if it works or functions correctly.

  • Structure: Subject + Prove + Something + (that) + Clause
  • Examples:
    • "Let's prove this new engine by running it at full speed." (We’re testing it.)
    • "The engineers are proving the safety of the design." (They're testing its safety.)

3. “Prove” + “to be” – To Become or Result in Something

This is a very common phrasing that combines “prove” with “to be.” It means to eventually become or turn out to be something.

  • Structure: Subject + Prove + to be + Adjective/Noun
  • Examples:
    • "The solution proved to be effective." (The solution became effective.)
    • "He proved to be a reliable colleague." (He turned out to be reliable.)
    • "The rain proved to be a blessing.” (The rain became a blessing – it turned out to be helpful.)

4. “Prove” + “that” – To Show That

Similar to the first usage, but often used to emphasize the evidence or demonstration.

  • Structure: Subject + Prove + that + Clause
  • Examples:
    • "I proved that I was telling the truth." (I demonstrated my truthfulness.)
    • “They proved that the building was unsafe.” (They showed it was unsafe.)

Important Notes & Considerations:

  • “Prove” vs. “Demonstrate”: “Prove” implies establishing a fact definitively. “Demonstrate” simply means to show or illustrate something. Sometimes they can be used interchangeably, but “prove” often carries a stronger sense of certainty.

  • “To prove” vs. “Proof”: “To prove” is the action of showing something is true. “Proof” is the result – the evidence or argument that demonstrates something.

  • Formal vs. Informal: "Prove" is a relatively formal word. In everyday conversation, you might be more likely to say things like "show," "demonstrate," or "establish."

Let's test your understanding:

Fill in the blanks using “prove,” "prove to be,” or “prove that":

  1. The new drug _______ effective in treating the illness.
  2. I need to _______ my suspicion about his behavior.
  3. The game _______ a difficult challenge for the team.
  4. She _______ a talented artist.

Answers:

  1. proved to be
  2. prove
  3. proved
  4. proved

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Synonyms for the word prove

Idioms of the word prove

the exception that proves the rule
(saying)people say that something is the exception that proves the rule when they are stating something that seems to be different from the normal situation, but they mean that the normal situation remains true in general
  • Most electronics companies have not done well this year, but ours is the exception that proves the rule.

Practice with vocabulary prove

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The research team is working to ______ their hypothesis about the new compound's properties through controlled experiments.
  2. Before submitting the final draft, you must ______ that all sources are properly cited according to the APA guidelines.
  3. The company expects the updated algorithm to ______ its superior efficiency compared to previous versions within the next quarter.
  4. Employees need to ______ their dedication to the project by consistently meeting deadlines and contributing actively.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of these actions involves demonstrating the truth of a claim or hypothesis with evidence? a) Hypothesize b) Conclude c) Speculate d) Prove e) Verify

  2. To thoroughly examine and understand a complex issue, one must often ______ it. a) Overlook b) Analyze c) Disregard d) Simplify

  3. The ongoing clinical trials aim to ______ the safety and efficacy of the new drug. a) Speculate b) Assume c) Prove d) Establish e) Hypothesize

  4. When writing a formal report, it is crucial to ______ information from credible sources. a) Fabricate b) Plagiarize c) Cite d) Invent

  5. The defense lawyer worked tirelessly to ______ his client's innocence. a) Assert b) Confess c) Prove d) Allegedly state e) Establish

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The recent audit confirmed the company's financial stability. Rewrite (using "prove"):
  2. Original: It is necessary to show the feasibility of the proposed project before proceeding. Rewrite (without "prove"):
  3. Original: The experiment demonstrated that the chemical reaction occurs under these specific conditions. Rewrite (using "prove"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. prove
  2. confirm
  3. prove
  4. demonstrate

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. d) Prove, e) Verify
  2. b) Analyze
  3. c) Prove, d) Establish
  4. c) Cite
  5. c) Prove, e) Establish

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The recent audit helped to prove the company's financial stability.
  2. It is necessary to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed project before proceeding.
  3. The experiment proved that the chemical reaction occurs under these specific conditions.

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