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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Prove Meaning, Usage, and Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：demonstrate truth (prove)

prove 🔊

/pruːv/

to use facts or actions to show that something is true or correct.

Scientist proving experiment results with data

demonstrate truth 🔊

➕

/ˈdɛmənstreɪt truːθ/

To establish the truth or correctness of something by presenting facts or evidence.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'probare' (to test, approve) and 'probus' (good, honest).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'Pro' (expert) + 've' (verify) – experts verify facts.

📖 Example

The student used a simple experiment to prove that plants need sunlight to grow. 🔊 The student used a simple experiment to prove that plants need sunlight to grow.

🔗 Collocations

prove a theory – To demonstrate that a theory is valid

prove one's innocence – To show that one is not guilty

prove the point – To confirm the argument's validity

🔄 Synonyms

verify (v.) – To confirm the truth or accuracy of something.

confirm (v.) – To establish the truth or correctness of something.

demonstrate (v.) – To show clearly and deliberately.

🚫 Antonyms

disprove (v.) – To show that something is false.

refute (v.) – To prove wrong by argument or evidence.

contradict (v.) – To assert the opposite of a statement.

🌱 Derivatives

proof (n.) – Evidence establishing the truth of something.

proven (adj.) – Shown to be true or valid.

provable (adj.) – Capable of being proved.

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin 'probare' meaning 'to test, prove'; evolved through Old French 'prover'. Used in legal contexts since 13th century to mean 'establish truth'.

Meaning 2：demonstrate ability (prove)

prove 🔊

/pruːv/

to show through your actions that you have a particular ability or quality.

demonstrate ability 🔊

➕

/ˈdɛmənstreɪt əˈbɪləti/

To show through one's actions that one possesses a particular skill or quality.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

In her first major race, the young runner proved her incredible speed by winning the relay. 🔊 In her first major race, the young runner proved her incredible speed by winning the relay.

🔗 Collocations

prove oneself – To demonstrate one's abilities or worth.

prove a point – To demonstrate a particular quality.

prove one's worth – To show one's value or capability.

🔄 Synonyms

demonstrate (v.) – To show clearly through action.

exhibit (v.) – To display a quality or ability openly.

show (v.) – To make evident.

🚫 Antonyms

fail (v.) – To not succeed in showing ability.

lack (v.) – To be without a particular quality.

underperform (v.) – To perform below expectations.

🌱 Derivatives

proven (adj.) – Demonstrated to be true or effective.

proof (n.) – Evidence of ability or achievement.

provable (adj.) – Capable of being demonstrated.