prove
v.v. to show that something is true by using facts or evidence. You use this when you want to make sure others believe your idea is correct.
v. to demonstrate the truth or existence of something by evidence or argument. Often functions as a linking verb when followed by an adjective or a 'to be' infinitive.
The police have enough evidence to prove he is guilty.
Scientists conducted several experiments to prove that the new medicine is safe for humans.
While the initial data suggested a correlation, the researchers needed a larger sample size to prove their hypothesis beyond any reasonable doubt.
From Middle English proven, from Old English prōfian (“to esteem, regard as, evince, try, prove”) and Old French prover (“to prove”), both from Latin probō (“test, try, examine, approve, show to be good or fit, prove”, verb), from probus (“good, worthy, excellent”), from Proto-Indo-European pro-bʰuH-s (“being in front, prominent”), from pro-, per- (“toward”) + bʰuH- (“to be”). Displaced native Middle English sothen (“to prove”), from Old English sōþian (“to prove”). Doublet of probe. More at for, be, soothe.
Simple past form of proove, conjugated as a Germanic strong verb, on the pattern of choose → chose.
The verb is transitive when showing truth, but can be intransitive or a linking verb when meaning 'to turn out to be'.
He proved me that I was wrongHe proved to me that I was wrongWhen 'prove' is followed by a 'that' clause, the person being convinced must be preceded by the preposition 'to'.