prove

1. (transitive) To demonstrate that something is true or viable; to give proof for; to bear out; to testify.Examples: "[VV]e are able with playne demonſtration to proue, and vvith reaſon to perſvvade that in tymes paſt our fayth vvas alike, that then vve preached thinges correſpondent vnto the forme of faith already published of vs, ſo that none in this behalfe can repyne or gaynesay vs."; "Mr. H …, whom no distinctions of that sort seemed to disturb, scarce gave himself or me breathing time from the last encounter, but, as if he had task'd himself to prove that the appearances of his vigour were not signs hung out in vain, in a few minutes he was in a condition for renewing the onset"; "Valentine’s Day means different things for different people. For Homer, it means forking over a hundred dollars for a dusty box of chocolates at the Kwik-E-Mart after characteristically forgetting the holiday yet again. For Ned, it’s another opportunity to prove his love for his wife. Most germane to the episode, for Lisa, Valentine’s Day means being the only person in her entire class to give Ralph a Valentine after noticing him looking crestfallen and alone at his desk."transitive

2. (intransitive) To turn out; to manifest.Examples: "It proved to be a cold day."intransitive

3. (copulative) To turn out to be.Examples: "Have an exit strategy should your calculations prove incorrect."; "But ſhall I prooue a traitor to my King?"; "This battle did not take place in the streets. It took place entirely in words, and it was to prove the turning point in the war."copulative

4. (transitive) To put to the test, to make trial of.Examples: "They took the experimental car to the proving-grounds."; "The exception proves the rule."; "Then may I dare to boast how I do love thee, Till then not show my head where thou may'st prove me."transitive

5. (transitive) To ascertain or establish the genuineness or validity of; to verify.Examples: "to prove a will"transitive

6. (archaic, transitive) To experience.Examples: "Where she, captived long, great woes did prove."archaictransitive