proof
B2Neutral to formal; common in academic, legal, technical, and everyday contexts.
Definition
Meaning
Evidence or an argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement.
Can refer to: 1) The process of testing the truth or quality of something (e.g., fireproof, waterproof). 2) In printing/photography: a trial impression or copy. 3) In mathematics/logic: a sequence of steps establishing validity. 4) In distilling: a standard measure of alcoholic strength.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a mass noun (e.g., 'solid proof'). Can be countable in specialized contexts (e.g., 'mathematical proofs', 'printer's proofs'). Verb usage (to proofread or make resistant) is derived and less frequent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word 'proof' itself is identical. In baking, British English more commonly uses 'prove' for letting dough rise; American English may use 'proof' for this process. In alcohol, 'proof' as a unit differs (UK: 100 proof = 57.15% ABV; US: 100 proof = 50% ABV).
Connotations
Identical core connotations of verification and evidence.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
proof (that) + clauseproof of + NPproof against + NPbe proof of + NPVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The proof of the pudding (is in the eating).”
- “Living proof.”
- “Proof positive.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Proof of purchase, proof of delivery, proof of funds, proof of concept.
Academic
Mathematical proof, burden of proof in logic, provide empirical proof.
Everyday
Show me the proof. Do you have any proof? The receipt is your proof of purchase.
Technical
Galley proof (printing), proof stress (engineering), proof spirit (chemistry).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to proof the manuscript for errors.
- The new fabric is treated to proof it against stains.
American English
- She proofed the final draft carefully.
- The contractor will proof the basement against flooding.
adverb
British English
- No common adverbial form. Use 'provenly' (rare).
American English
- No common adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The case is proof against tampering.
- They require proof of identity.
American English
- The safe is fireproof and waterproof.
- Do you have proof of insurance?
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need proof that you paid.
- This bag is waterproof.
- The photo was proof that he was there.
- Scientists are looking for proof of life on other planets.
- The prosecution failed to provide conclusive proof of his guilt.
- The new material is not only waterproof but also tear-proof.
- Her resilience under pressure is proof positive of her leadership qualities.
- The mathematician's elegant proof of the theorem revolutionized the field.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'roof' that is 'firePROOF' – it has evidence of its ability to resist fire.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROOF IS A SHIELD (e.g., 'proof against criticism'), PROOF IS A SOLID OBJECT (e.g., 'solid proof', 'concrete evidence').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'proof' directly as 'проба' (sample/try) in most contexts.
- In legal/evidentiary contexts, it's closer to 'доказательство'.
- In 'waterproof', it translates as '-непроницаемый' or '-защищённый' (e.g., водонепроницаемый).
- Do not confuse with 'proofread' (корректура, вычитка).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'proofs' as a plural for general evidence (use uncountable 'proof'). *'He showed me many proofs.' -> 'He showed me a lot of proof.'
- Confusing 'proof' (noun/adj) with 'prove' (verb). *'I will proof it.' (if meaning 'to verify', use 'prove').
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'proof' specifically refer to a trial copy?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily uncountable for general evidence ('there is no proof'). Countable in specialized contexts like mathematics ('several proofs') or printing ('the first proofs').
'Evidence' is broader, referring to anything presented to support a claim. 'Proof' is stronger, implying evidence that conclusively establishes truth. All proof is evidence, but not all evidence constitutes proof.
Two main uses: 1) To make something resistant (proofread, waterproof). 2) In baking/dough-making (to allow dough to rise). It is distinct from the more common verb 'to prove'.
It's a measure of alcoholic strength. In the US, proof is double the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). 80 proof = 40% ABV. In the UK, the system is different: 100 proof was defined as 57.15% ABV.
Collections
Part of a collection
Debate Vocabulary
B2 · 48 words · Language for constructing arguments and discussions.