Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

prove

/ˈpɹuv/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.77 in modern English

Syllables
prove
IPA
/ˈpɹuv/
10
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
1
Syllables
5
Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To demonstrate that something is true or viable; to give proof for; to bear out; to testify.

Transitive verb

verb

To turn out; to manifest.

Intransitive verb

verb

To turn out to be.

verb

To put to the test, to make trial of.

Transitive verb

verb

To ascertain or establish the genuineness or validity of; to verify.

Transitive verb

verb

To experience.

Archaic; Transitive verb

verb

To take a trial impression of; to take a proof of.

Dated; Transitive verb

verb

Alternative form of proof (“allow (dough) to rise; test the activeness of (yeast); pressure-test (a firearm)”).

Example Sentences

Etymology

From Middle English proven, from Old English prōfian (“to esteem, regard as, evince, try, prove”) and Old French prover (“to prove”), both from Latin probō (“test, try, examine, approve, show to be good or fit, prove”, verb), from probus (“good, worthy, excellent”), from Proto-Indo-European *pro-bʰuH-s (“being in front, prominent”), from *pro-, *per- (“toward”) + *bʰuH- (“to be”). Displaced native Middle English sothen (“to prove”), from Old English sōþian (“to prove”). Doublet of probe. More at for, be, soothe.

Origin

Word Breakdown

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /ˈpɹuv/
  • British English: /ˈpɹuːv/

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

approve probe probity proof the exception proves the rule

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce prove?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈpɹuv/.
What does prove mean?
To demonstrate that something is true or viable; to give proof for; to bear out; to testify.
Where does prove come from?
It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce prove

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “prove”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈpɹuv/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “prove”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “prove” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.