proof
any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,741 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 10,440 times across 155,370 chapters — 0.005% of every word in the library.
What it means
noun
- any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something also: cogent evidence if you have any proof for what you say, now is the time to produce it
- a formal series of statements showing that if one thing is true something else necessarily follows from it
- a measure of alcoholic strength expressed as an integer twice the percentage of alcohol present (by volume)
- (printing) an impression made to check for errors also: test copy, trial impression
- a trial photographic print from a negative
- the act of validating; finding or testing the truth of something also: validation, substantiation
verb
- make or take a proof of, such as a photographic negative, an etching, or typeset
- knead to reach proper lightness proof dough
proof in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
-
For Maxence considered the bills found in the secretary as a flagrant, irrefutable and material proof.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
-
I can't believe you did this thing, even unconsciously, until I'm shown proof without a single flaw.
The Abandoned Room · Wadsworth Camp · Chapter 1
-
The presence of a cicatrix on the left temple (This is a most irrefutable proof of insanity).
Punchinello, Volume 1, No. 08, May 21, 1870 · Various · Chapter 1
-
The smile on his face and the reposeful position of his jaw were proof enough of that.
The Intrusion of Jimmy · P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse · Chapter 1
-
To him, who was never gay but in her presence, her gaiety seemed plain proof of indifference.
Ethan Frome · Edith Wharton · Chapter 1