prove: Meaning and Definition of

prove

Pronunciation: (prv), [key]
— v., proved, proved prov•en, prov•ing.
—v.t.
  1. to establish the truth or genuineness of, as by evidence or argument: to prove one's claim.
  2. to establish the authenticity or validity of (a will); probate.
  3. to give demonstration of by action.
  4. to subject to a test, experiment, comparison, analysis, or the like, to determine quality, amount, acceptability, characteristics, etc.: to prove ore.
  5. to show (oneself&hasp;) to have the character or ability expected of one, esp. through one's actions.
  6. to verify the correctness or validity of by mathematical demonstration or arithmetical proof.
  7. to take a trial impression of (type, a cut, etc.).
  8. to cause (dough) to rise to the necessary lightness.
  9. to experience.
—v.i.
  1. to turn out: The experiment proved to be successful.
  2. to be found by trial or experience to be: His story proved false.
  3. (of dough) to rise to a specified lightness: Leave covered until it has proved.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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