One must have heard about the terms ‘proof’ and ‘prove’, but what’s the difference between these terms? This article will talk about whether there’s any difference between these two or not. If you ask someone what’s the difference between ‘proof’ and ‘prove’, they may not find it easy to explain.
This article will discuss all the essential aspects of the words ‘proof’ and ‘prove’. The English Language has several such words that are often confusing and misinterpreted by people. Let us look at the following topics that we will get to know about from this article.
Table Summarising the Difference between Proof and Prove
| Proof | Prove | |
| Meaning | The word proof generally means evidence that’s used to justify an argument.
It also means to protect something from being damaged. (For example, a waterproof hat) |
The word prove means to validate the presence of something by evidence. |
| Usage | It can be used as a noun, verb and adjective. | It can be used as a verb. |
| Example | The presence of the weapon is proof that the thief was here before. | ‘Can you prove your innocence?’ asked the judge. |
This table shows that ‘proof’ and ‘prove’ are entirely different from one another and can’t be used synonymously. Most people get confused between these two words, but it’s essential that they understand the contexts they are using these in. Only then, they can use these terms correctly.
Difference between Proof and Prove – Meanings
‘Prove’ and ‘proof’ both sound quite similar, but when it comes to their meanings they are very different. The word ‘prove’ is used as a verb and means the ability to validate arguments/statements with substantial evidence, for example, ‘The man proved himself innocent with the help of CCTV recordings’, whereas the word proof can be used as a noun, verb and adjective, for example, ‘The lawyer presented the documents as proof in the court.’ The word ‘proof’ is used here as a noun, but in the statement ‘Hans proofed the article carefully’, the word ‘proof’ is used as a verb. The word ‘proof’ is used as an adjective in the sentence, ‘The Armour was proof against any bullet.’ Once students understand the difference between these words, they won’t misinterpret them next time while reading.
Examples of Proof and Prove
The following examples will help students to better understand the terms ‘proof’ and ‘prove’.:
Proof – The pictures served as proof to punish the guilty.
Prove – Sam was asked to prove his work on string theory.
Once people understand the meanings of the words ‘proof’ and ‘prove’, they can quickly form examples on their own.
Proof and Prove – Conclusion
To sum up, ‘proof’ and ‘prove’ are not synonymous and can’t be used interchangeably. While using these words, one has to understand the contexts or they might end up misusing them. This article talks about the essential points that help one know how to use these two terms.
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