PROOF | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

Middle English preve, from Old French proeve, from late Latin proba, from Latin probare ‘to test, prove’. The change of vowel in late Middle English was due to the influence of prove. Current senses of the verb date from the late 19th century

evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement

evidence or argument establishing fact

• you will be asked to give proof of your identity
• this is not a proof for the existence of God

a trial impression of a page, taken from type or film and used for making corrections before final printing.

trial impression of page

the strength of distilled alcoholic spirits, relative to proof spirit taken as a standard of 100

strength of distilled alcoholic drink

• powerful 132-proof rum

a test or trial of something.

test or trial

a trial or a civil case before a judge without a jury.

trial or civil case without jury

able to withstand something damaging; resistant

resistant

• the marine battle armour was proof against most weapons
• the system comes with idiot-proof instructions

denoting a trial impression of a page or printed work

denoting proof of page

• a proof copy is sent up for checking

make (fabric) waterproof

make fabric waterproof

• if you are using a piece of lightweight canvas it will be necessary to proof the fabric when complete

make a proof of (a printed work, engraving, etc.)

make proof of

• proof each plate and print it on acetate first

activate (yeast) by the addition of liquid

activate yeast

• proof the yeast with the teaspoon of sugar