Proof is a fact, argument, or piece of evidence which shows that something is definitely true or definitely exists.
I would need to bring in something with my French address on it as proof of residence. [+ of]
This is not necessarily proof that he is wrong.
Economists have been concerned with establishing proofs for their arguments.
2. countable noun [usually plural]
In publishing, the proofsof a book, magazine, or article are a first copy of it that is printed so that mistakes can be corrected before more copies are printed and published.
I'm correcting the proofs of the Spanish edition right now. [+ of]
Synonyms: trial print, pull, slip, galley More Synonyms of proof
Proof is also an adjective.
...an uncorrected proof copy of the book.
3. adjective
Proof is used after a number of degrees or a percentage, when indicating the strength of a strong alcoholic drink such as whisky.
...a glass of Wild Turkey bourbon: 101 degrees proof.
4. adjective [v-link ADJagainst n]
If something or someone is proof against a particular thing, they cannot be damaged, harmed, or affected by it.
[written]
The fortress was proof against the techniques of attack then in use.
His papers were proof against all but the most expert of scrutinies.
Synonyms: impervious, strong, tight, resistant More Synonyms of proof
5.
See living proof
6.
See proof positive
7. burden of proof
8. the proof of the pudding is in the eating
More Synonyms of proof
-proof
(-pruːf)
Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense -proofs, present participle -proofing, past tense, past participle -proofed
1. combining form
-proof combines with nouns and verbs to form adjectives which indicate that something cannot be damaged or badly affected by the thing or action mentioned.
...a bomb-proof aircraft.
In a large microwave-proof dish, melt butter for 20 seconds.
...tamper-proof medicine bottles.
2. combining form
-proof combines with nouns to form verbs which refer to protecting something against being damaged or badly affected by the thing mentioned.
...home energy efficiency grants towards the cost of draught-proofing your home. [VERB noun]
...inflation-proofed pensions. [VERB-ed]
3. See also bullet-proof, childproof, damp-proof course, fireproof, ovenproof, soundproof, waterproof, weatherproof
proof in British English
(pruːf)
noun
1.
any evidence that establishes or helps to establish the truth, validity, quality, etc, of something
2. law
the whole body of evidence upon which the verdict of a court is based
3. mathematics, logic
a sequence of steps or statements that establishes the truth of a proposition
See also direct (sense 17), induction (sense 4), induction (sense 8)
4.
the act of testing the truth of something (esp in the phrase put to the proof)
5. Scots law
trial before a judge without a jury
6. printing
a trial impression made from composed type, or a print-out (from a laser printer, etc) for the correction of errors
7.
(in engraving, etc) a print made by or under the supervision of an artist for his or her own satisfaction before the plate is handed over to a professional printer
8. photography
a trial print from a negative
9.
a.
the alcoholic strength of proof spirit
b.
the strength of a beverage or other alcoholic liquor as measured on a scale in which the strength of proof spirit is 100 degrees
adjective
10. (usually postpositive; foll byagainst)
able to resist; impervious (to)
the roof is proof against rain
11.
having the alcoholic strength of proof spirit
12.
of proved strength or impenetrability
proof armour
verb
13. (transitive)
to take a proof from (type matter, a plate, etc)
14.
to proofread (text) or inspect (a print, etc), as for approval
15.
to render (something) proof, esp to waterproof
Word origin
C13: from Old French preuve a test, from Late Latin proba, from Latin probāre to test
-proof in British English
combining form
secure against (damage by); (make) impervious to
waterproof
mothproof
childproof
Word origin
from proof (adj)
proof in American English
(pruf)
noun
1.
the act or process of proving; a testing or trying of something
2.
anything serving or tending to establish the truth of something, or to convince one of its truth; conclusive evidence
3.
the establishment of the truth of something
to work on the proof of a theory
4.
a test or trial of the truth, worth, quality, etc. of something
the proof of the pudding is in the eating
5.
the quality or condition of having been tested or proved
6. Obsolete
tested or proved strength, as of armor
7.
a.
the relative strength of an alcoholic liquor with reference to the arbitrary standard for proof spirit
b.
this standard, taken as 100 proof
see also proof spirit
8. Engraving
a trial impression taken from a plate, block, or stone
9. Law
all the facts, admissions, and conclusions drawn from evidence which together operate to determine a verdict or judgment
10. Ancient Mathematics
a process for checking the correctness of a computation, as, in a subtraction problem, by adding the difference to the subtrahend to get the minuend
11. Numismatics
any of a limited number of coins of a new issue, struck with special care
12. Photography
a trial print of a negative
13. Printing
an impression of composed type taken for checking errors and making changes
adjective
14.
of tested and proved strength
15.
impervious or invulnerable to; able to resist, withstand, etc.
with against
proof against criticism
16.
used in proving or testing
17.
of standard strength
said of alcoholic liquors
verb transitive
18.
to make a proof of
19.
to make resistant or impervious to something
20.
proofread
SYNONYMY NOTE: proof, as compared here, applies to facts, documents, etc. that are so certain or convincingas to demonstrate the validity of a conclusion beyond reasonable doubt; , evidence applies to something presented before a court, as a witness's statement, an object,etc., which bears on or establishes a fact; , testimony applies to verbal evidence given by a witness under oath; , exhibit applies to a document or object produced as evidence in a court
Word origin
ME profe < OFr prueve < LL proba < L probare: see probe
-proof in American English
(pruf)
1.
impervious to
waterproof
2.
protected from or against
foolproof, rustproof
3.
resistant to, unaffected by
fireproof
Word origin
< proof
More idioms containing
proof
the proof of the pudding is in the eating
COBUILD Collocations
proof
conclusive proof
further proof
scientific proof
solid proof
Examples of 'proof' in a sentence
proof
The numbers alone are proof of that.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The tricky bit is that you will need proof of purchase.
The Sun (2016)
Promoter reserves the right to demand proof of consumer purchase from retailer.
The Sun (2016)
You will need proof of purchase.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Accept it graciously If you receive an item as a gift you will need proof of purchase and sometimes the card that was used to pay.
The Sun (2016)
The very absence of evidence is proof, in the minds of many, that it must exist.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Answers in the negative are not necessarily an indictment of the police, just as they are not necessarily proof of the accused's innocence.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Promoter reserves the right to request proof of purchase or refuse payment against incorrectly deemed coupons.
The Sun (2016)
Family courts have a lower standard of proof than criminal courts.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Tell him you have text proof this was not a gift.
The Sun (2014)
The first to provide proof of its existence will be rewarded with riches by the king.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
But it is not proof or evidence that corruption has taken place.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You will also need proof of your identity and address.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
This superb book is proof of that.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The real proof of the pudding is in the payday.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Proof of permanent residence of winner will be required.
The Sun (2009)
That they stayed together was proof of the strength of their unorthodox bond.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
His problem was that finding proof of the dodgy beef was impossible.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
What they condemned was his teaching his hypotheses as facts without proof.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
You want conclusive proof that this study is hokum?
The Sun (2012)
Make sure you keep records of valuations and proof of purchase.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Rather than preaching from favorite proof texts or purely thematic sermons.
Christianity Today (2000)
Proof that a man should always marry his second wife first.
The Sun (2014)
No one appears to have read the book in proof.
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
Perhaps a canny printer pulled a proof from the Heidelberg and stowed it till now.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
First, his colleagues set out to establish whether the proofs he posted were correct.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
Still, this was all circumstantial evidence rather than proof.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It seemed proof of a number of things, the least important of which being that leather has come of age.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
You will also need to show photo ID and proof of address before you can bid.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He then sent the proof copy to her and I think this tells us he was still thinking about her.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Quotations
The proof of the pudding is in the eating
In other languages
proof
British English: proof /pruːf/ NOUN
evidenceProof is a fact or a piece of evidence which shows that something is true or exists.
This is proof that he is wrong.
American English: proof evidence
Arabic: بُرْهَان
Brazilian Portuguese: prova
Chinese: 证据
Croatian: dokaz
Czech: důkaz
Danish: bevis
Dutch: bewijs
European Spanish: prueba demostración
Finnish: todiste
French: preuve difficulté
German: Korrekturfahne
Greek: απόδειξη
Italian: prova
Japanese: 証拠 evidence
Korean: 증거
Norwegian: prøvetrykk
Polish: badanie sprawdzanie
European Portuguese: comprovante
Romanian: dovadă
Russian: подтверждение
Latin American Spanish: prueba argumento
Swedish: korrektur
Thai: ข้อพิสูจน์
Turkish: deneme baskısı
Ukrainian: доказ
Vietnamese: bằng chứng
British English: proof /pruːf/ NOUN
printed In publishing, the proofs of a book, magazine, or article are a first copy of it that is printed so that mistakes can be corrected before more copies are printed and published.
I'm correcting the proofs of the new edition right now.
American English: proof for checking
Arabic: مِسْوَدَّةُ الطَّبْع
Brazilian Portuguese: prova evidência
Chinese: 校样
Croatian: otisak za korekturu
Czech: korektura
Danish: prøvetryk
Dutch: proefafdruk
European Spanish: prueba argumento
Finnish: todiste
French: épreuve
German: Beweismittel
Greek: αποδεικτικό στοιχείο
Italian: bozza dimostrazione
Japanese: 校正刷り for checking
Korean: 교정쇄
Norwegian: bevis
Polish: dowód dowody
European Portuguese: prova evidência
Romanian: corectură
Russian: доказательство
Latin American Spanish: prueba argumento
Swedish: bevis
Thai: ปรู๊ฟ
Turkish: kanıt
Ukrainian: пробний відбиток
Vietnamese: bản in thử
All related terms of 'proof'
age-proof
not adversely affected by a person's age
low-proof
low in alcohol content
proof set
a set of coins ( proof coins ), one of each denomination , minted annually from highly polished metal on special dies , issued for collectors rather than for circulation
re-proof
to treat (a coat , jacket , etc) so as to renew its texture , waterproof qualities, etc
acid-proof
resistant to the action of acid
damp-proof
to protect against the incursion of damp by adding a dampcourse or by coating with a moisture-resistant preparation
idiot-proof
providing protection against human error or misuse
laser proof
a print proof of an element of a page printed out on a laser printer , so as to give an almost accurate preview of the final printout
proof copy
a copy of (a book, story, etc) made from trial impressions made from composed type, or print-outs (from a laser printer , etc) for the correction of errors
proof stage
the stage of publishing where trial impressions made from composed type, or print-outs (from a laser printer , etc) are read for the correction of errors
repro proof
a proof of very good quality used for photographic reproduction to make a printing plate
solid proof
Proof is a fact, argument, or piece of evidence which shows that something is definitely true or definitely exists.
bullet-proof
Something that is bullet-proof is made of a strong material that bullets cannot pass through.
burglar-proof
designed to be secure and to frustrate any attempted burglary
foundry proof
a proof taken from a forme before duplicate plates are made from it
further proof
Proof is a fact, argument , or piece of evidence which shows that something is definitely true or definitely exists.
future-proof
If you future-proof something, you design or change it so that it will continue to be useful or successful in the future if the situation changes.
galley proof
a printer's proof , esp one taken on a long strip of paper from type in a galley , used to make corrections before the matter has been split into pages
Gödel's proof
a proof that in a formal axiomatic system such as logic or mathematics it is impossible to prove consistency without using methods from outside the system, demonstrated by Kurt Gö del (1906–78)
living proof
If you say that someone is living proof of something, you mean that their actions or personal qualities show that a particular fact is true or that a particular quality exists .
pilfer-proof
(of a supply, stock , container , etc) protected from or not susceptible to pilfering
proof sheets
trial impressions made from composed type, or print-outs (from a laser printer , etc) read for the correction of errors ; proofs
proof spirit
(in Britain and Canada ) a mixture of alcohol and water or an alcoholic beverage that contains 49.28 per cent of alcohol by weight , 57.1 per cent by volume at 51° F : up until 1980 used as a standard of alcoholic liquids
proof stress
the equivalent of yield stress in materials which have no clearly defined yield point
proof theory
the branch of logic that studies the syntactic properties of formal theories, esp the syntactic characterization of deductive validity
tamper-proof
(esp of a product, information sent on a computer, etc) unable to be tampered , interfered , or meddled with
indirect proof
proof of a conclusion by showing its negation to be self-contradictory ; reductio ad absurdum
inflation-proof
not affected by inflation
proof positive
To be proof positive of a particular fact or quality means to be evidence that it is true or that it exists .
conclusive proof
Proof is a fact, argument , or piece of evidence which shows that something is definitely true or definitely exists.
reproduction proof
a proof of very good quality used for photographic reproduction to make a printing plate
scientific proof
Proof is a fact, argument , or piece of evidence which shows that something is definitely true or definitely exists.
burden of proof
The burden of proof is the task of proving that you are correct, for example when you have accused someone of a crime.
damp-proof course
A damp-proof course is the same as a → damp course .
proof of concept
the stage during the development of a product when it is established that the product will function as intended
proof of coverage
A policyholder's proof of coverage is a document from an insurer stating that they have insurance coverage.
proof of identity
a document or documents used to verify someone's identity
proof of postage
a document , such as a receipt , etc, that proves that you have posted or mailed something
proof of purchase
a document , such as a receipt , etc, that proves that you have purchased or bought something
rabbit-proof fence
a fence through which rabbits are unable to pass
babyproof
made safe for babies to come into contact with
proofread
When someone proofreads something such as a book or an article , they read it before it is published in order to find and mark mistakes that need to be corrected.
childproof
Something that is childproof is designed in a way which ensures that children cannot harm it or be harmed by it.
flameproof
Flameproof cooking dishes can withstand direct heat, so they can be used, for example , on top of a cooker or stove , or under a grill .
shockproof
capable of absorbing shock without damage
soundproof
A soundproof room , door , or window is designed to prevent all sound from getting in or out.
earthquake-proof design
Earthquake-proof design is design which will not be badly damaged by earthquakes or tsunamis .
Gödel's theorem
either of two theorems published by the mathematician Kurt Gö del in 1931 that prove all mathematical systems are incomplete in that their truth or consistency can only be proved using a system of a higher order
to be living proof that …
to show that
teleological argument
the argument purporting to prove the existence of God from empirical facts , the premise being that the universe shows evidence of order and hence design
Chinese translation of 'proof'
proof
(pruːf)
n(u)
证(證)据(據) (zhèngjù)
adj
(frm)
to be proof against sth不受某事影响(響)的 (bù shòu mǒushì yǐngxiǎng de)
to be 70% proof[alcohol]70%的标(標)准(準)酒精度 (bǎi fēn zhī qīshí de biāozhǔn jiǔjīngdù)
Derived Forms
proofsn pl (Typ) 校样(樣) (jiàoyàng)
1 (noun)
Definition
any evidence that confirms that something is true or exists
You must have proof of residence in the state.
Synonyms
evidence
There is no evidence to support this theory.
demonstration
an unprecedented demonstration of people power
testimony
Her living room piled with documents is a testimony to her dedication to her work.
confirmation
He took her resignation as confirmation of their suspicions.
verification
There is no independent verification of this story.
certification
corroboration
There were no witnesses to establish corroboration of his version of the accident.
authentication
substantiation
attestation
2 (noun)
Definition
an early copy of printed matter for checking before final production
I'm correcting the proofs of the Spanish edition right now.
Synonyms
trial print
pull
slip
galley
page proof
galley proof
trial impression
3 (noun)
Definition
the act of testing the truth of something
Our piety is put to the proof.
Synonyms
test
High levels of dioxin were confirmed by scientific tests.
trial
They have been treated with medication in clinical trials.
experiment
a proposed new law banning animal experiments
examination
They have taken the documents away for examination.
scrutiny
His private life came under media scrutiny.
ordeal
the painful ordeal of identifying the body
assay
(adjective)
Definition
able to withstand
The fortress was proof against attack.
Synonyms
impervious
The floorcovering will need to be impervious to water.
strong
tight
Cover with foil and the lid to ensure a tight seal.
resistant
The body may be less resistant if it is cold.
impenetrable
The range forms an impenetrable barrier between Europe and Asia.
repellent
a shower repellent jacket
idiom
See be proof against something or someone
proverb
The proof of the pudding is in the eating
Additional synonyms
in the sense of assay
Definition
an analysis of the purity of an ore or precious metal
Synonyms
analysis,
test,
trial,
investigation,
examination,
inspection
in the sense of confirmation
Definition
something that confirms
He took her resignation as confirmation of their suspicions.
Synonyms
proof,
evidence,
testimony,
verification,
ratification,
validation,
corroboration,
authentication,
substantiation
in the sense of corroboration
There were no witnesses to establish corroboration of his version of the accident.
Synonyms
support,
establishment,
confirmation,
endorsement,
documentation,
ratification,
certification,
validation,
authentication,
substantiation,
sustainment,
circumstantiation
Synonyms of 'proof'
proof
Explore 'proof' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of demonstration
Definition
proof or evidence leading to proof
an unprecedented demonstration of people power
Synonyms
indication,
proof,
testimony,
confirmation,
manifestation,
affirmation,
validation,
substantiation,
attestation
in the sense of examination
Definition
the act of examining
They have taken the documents away for examination.
Synonyms
inspection,
testing,
study,
research,
trial,
checking,
review,
survey,
investigation,
analysis,
consideration,
observation,
going-over (informal),
vetting,
scrutiny,
appraisal,
interrogation,
assay,
perusal,
recce (slang)
in the sense of experiment
Definition
a test or investigation to provide evidence for or against a theory
a proposed new law banning animal experiments
Synonyms
test,
trial,
investigation,
examination,
venture,
procedure,
demonstration,
observation,
try-out,
assay,
trial run,
scientific test,
dummy run
in the sense of impenetrable
Definition
impossible to get through
The range forms an impenetrable barrier between Europe and Asia.
Synonyms
impassable,
solid,
impervious,
thick,
dense,
hermetic,
impermeable,
inviolable,
unpierceable
in the sense of ordeal
Definition
a severe or trying experience
the painful ordeal of identifying the body
Synonyms
hardship,
trial,
difficulty,
test,
labour,
suffering,
trouble(s),
nightmare,
burden,
torture,
misery,
agony,
torment,
anguish,
toil,
affliction,
tribulation(s),
baptism of fire
in the sense of repellent
Definition
resisting water etc.
a shower repellent jacket
Synonyms
proof,
resistant,
repelling,
impermeable
in the sense of resistant
The body may be less resistant if it is cold.
Synonyms
impervious,
hard,
strong,
tough,
unaffected,
unyielding,
insusceptible,
proof against
in the sense of scrutiny
Definition
very careful study or observation
His private life came under media scrutiny.
Synonyms
examination,
study,
investigation,
search,
inquiry,
analysis,
inspection,
exploration,
sifting,
once-over (informal),
perusal,
close study
in the sense of testimony
Definition
evidence proving or supporting something
Her living room piled with documents is a testimony to her dedication to her work.
Synonyms
proof,
evidence,
demonstration,
indication,
support,
manifestation,
verification,
corroboration
in the sense of tight
Definition
constructed so as to prevent the passage of water, air, etc.
Cover with foil and the lid to ensure a tight seal.
Synonyms
sealed,
watertight,
impervious,
sound,
proof,
hermetic
Additional synonyms
in the sense of trial
Definition
the act or an instance of trying or proving
They have been treated with medication in clinical trials.
Synonyms
test,
testing,
experiment,
evaluation,
check,
examination,
audition,
assay,
dry run (informal),
assessment,
proof,
probation,
appraisal,
try-out,
test-run,
pilot study,
dummy run
in the sense of verification
There is no independent verification of this story.