proof
[noun]
Synonyms:
- evidence, authentication, confirmation, corroboration, demonstration, substantiation, testimony, verification
[adjective]
Synonyms:
- impervious, impenetrable, repellent, resistant, strong

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

-proof /pruːf/ suffix

1. [in adjectives] used to describe something which a particular thing cannot harm or pass through, or which protects people against that thing:
a bulletproof car
a waterproof jacket
an ovenproof dish (=that cannot be harmed by heat)

2. [in adjectives] used to describe something which cannot easily be affected or damaged by someone or something:
a childproof container
vandal-proof

3. [in verbs] to treat or make something so that a particular thing cannot harm it or pass through it, or so that it gives protection against it:
soundproof a room (=so that sound cannot get into or out of it)

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

I. proof¹ S3 W3 /pruːf/ noun
[Word Family: verb: prove ≠ disprove; noun: proof; adjective: proven ≠ unproven]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: preuve, from Late Latin proba, from Latin probare; ⇒ probe²]

1. EVIDENCE [uncountable and countable] facts, information, documents etc that prove something is true
proof of
proof of the existence of life on other planets
This latest interview was further proof of how good at her job Cara was.
proof (that)
Do you have any proof that this man stole your bag?
There is no proof that the document is authentic.

2. COPY [countable usually plural] technical a copy of a piece of writing or a photograph that is checked carefully before the final printing is done:
Can you check these proofs?

3. MATHEMATICS [countable]
a) a test in mathematics of whether a calculation is correct
b) a list of reasons that shows a theorem (=statement) in geometry to be true

4. the proof of the pudding (is in the eating) used to say that you can only know whether something is good or bad after you have tried it

5. ALCOHOL [uncountable] a measurement of the strength of some types of alcoholic drink, especially spirits:
70% proof vodka (=that contains 70% pure alcohol) British English
70 proof vodka (=that contains 35% pure alcohol) American English

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. proof² adjective
be proof against something literary to be too strong or good to be affected by something bad:
Their defences are proof against most weapons.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

III. proof³ verb [transitive] British English

1. [usually passive] to treat a material with a substance in order to protect it against water, oil etc
proof something against something
climbing gear proofed against water

2. to proofread something

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

proof
noun
ADJ. absolute, clear, conclusive, concrete, convincing, direct, good, incontrovertible, irrefutable, positive, real, tangible Have you got any positive proof that she took the money? We have proof positive that he is in hiding. I have no real proof that he was at the flat.
ample, sufficient | further | final, ultimate The photo was final proof of her husband's infidelity.
documentary, written | legal | scientific | living The lungfish is living proof that fish could evolve to breathe on land.
VERB + PROOF have | give sb, offer (sb), produce, provide (sb with) | get, obtain | need, require
PREP. without ~ He is unlikely to make wild accusations without proof.
~ of Her account gives us no concrete proof of his guilt.
PHRASES the burden/onus of proof The burden of proof lay on the plaintiff to prove negligence.
a lack of proof The men were acquitted for lack of proof.
proof of identity, proof of purchase Proof of purchase must be provided before a refund can be made.
a standard of proof Civil proceedings require a lower standard of proof than criminal cases.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

proof

have proof
The newspaper claimed it had proof that I worked for the CIA.
provide/give proof
You will be required to provide proof of your identity.
need proof
He needed proof to back up those allegations.
there is proof
There is now proof that giant squid do exist.
further proof (=additional proof)
He showed his driving licence as further proof of his identity.
scientific proof
They say they have scientific proof that the treatment works.
living proof (=someone whose existence or experience proves something)
She is living proof that stress need not necessarily be ageing.
clear proof
His indecision is clear proof of his inability to handle the situation.
conclusive/tangible proof (=definite proof)
There is no conclusive proof that your son is dead.
proof of identity (=something that proves who you are)
Do you have any proof of identity, such as a passport?
proof of purchase (=something that proves you bought something from a particular place)
We will give a refund only if proof of purchase is provided.
proof of ownership
Take photos of anything unusual you own as proof of ownership.
proof positive (=definite proof that cannot be doubted)
Here is proof positive that she's wrong.
the burden/onus of proof law (=the need to prove that you are right in a legal case)
The burden of proof is on the prosecution.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

proof
noun
BAD: These bones are a proof that the animals really existed.
GOOD: These bones are proof that the animals really existed.
BAD: Today we have scientific proofs that tobacco is harmful.
GOOD: Today we have scientific proof that tobacco is harmful.

Usage Note:
Proof (= evidence) is usually an uncountable noun: 'Investigators now have proof of his involvement in the arms deal.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲