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¹proof

noun \ˈprüf\

: something which shows that something else is true or correct

: an act or process of showing that something is true

mathematics : a test which shows that a calculation is correct

Full Definition of PROOF

a : the cogency of evidence that compels acceptance by the mind of a truth or a fact

b : the process or an instance of establishing the validity of a statement especially by derivation from other statements in accordance with principles of reasoning

obsolete : experience

: something that induces certainty or establishes validity

archaic : the quality or state of having been tested or tried; especially : unyielding hardness

: evidence operating to determine the finding or judgment of a tribunal

a plural proofs or proof : a copy (as of typeset text) made for examination or correction

b : a test impression of an engraving, etching, or lithograph

c : a coin that is struck from a highly polished die on a polished planchet, is not intended for circulation, and sometimes differs in metallic content from coins of identical design struck for circulation

d : a test photographic print made from a negative

: a test applied to articles or substances to determine whether they are of standard or satisfactory quality

a : the minimum alcoholic strength of proof spirit

b : strength with reference to the standard for proof spirit; specifically : alcoholic strength indicated by a number that is twice the percent by volume of alcohol present <whiskey of 90 proof is 45 percent alcohol>

See proof defined for English-language learners

See proof defined for kids

Origin of PROOF

Middle English prof, prove, alteration of preve, from Anglo-French preove, from Late Latin proba, from Latin probare to prove — more at prove

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to PROOF

Synonyms: attestation, confirmation, corroboration, documentation, evidence, substantiation, testament, testimonial, testimony, validation, voucher, witness

Antonyms: disproof

Other Logic Terms

a posteriori, connotation, corollary, inference, mutually exclusive, paradox, postulate, syllogism

Rhymes with PROOF

goof, hoof, kloof, poof, pouf, roof, spoof, woof

²proof

adjective

: designed or made to prevent or protect against something harmful

Full Definition of PROOF

: able to resist or repel <boots that were…proof against cold and wet — Robertson Davies> —often used in combination <windproof>

: used in proving or testing or as a standard of comparison

: of standard strength or quality or alcoholic content

See proof defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of PROOF

1592

Other Alcoholic Beverage Terms

finish, gimlet, mull, sake, setup, sommelier, syllabub, vintner, wassail

³proof

verb

Definition of PROOF

transitive verb

a : to make or take a proof or test of

b : proofread

: to give a resistant quality to

: to activate (yeast) by mixing with water and sometimes sugar or milk

— proof·er noun

See proof defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of PROOF

1745

Other Printing Terms

epigraph, errata, leader, mechanical, notch, tittle, underscore, widow

PROOF Defined for Kids

¹proof

noun \ˈprüf\

Definition of PROOF for Kids

: evidence of truth or correctness <“… Is there any clear proof … or is it mere hearsay?” — Robert Lawson, Rabbit Hill>

: a printing (as from type) prepared for study and correction

: a test print made from a photographic negative

: ¹test 2 <Let's put her theory to the proof.>

²proof

adjective

Definition of PROOF for Kids

: able to keep out something that could be harmful <The seal on the bottle is proof against tampering.> Hint:The adjective proof is usually used in compounds. <waterproof>