noun
proof
PROOF/pruːf/
Evidence or reasoning that establishes truth or validity.
The matching shoe print provides proof that the shoe touched the soil.
Etymology
The underlying idea is testing something and demonstrating that it holds good. Proof is the evidence or argument that establishes a claim as true or valid.
In context
I'm the one making the claim Jesus existed historically and therefore I'm the one who has the burden of proof
More examples
- She asked for proof of ownership.
- The mathematician completed the proof.
- Several independent proofs supported the result.
Forms
proof · proofs
prove verb — Establish as true.
Similar words
- evidence
- Information supporting a conclusion, not always enough to establish it.
- demonstration
- An explanation or process that establishes a result.