Word
proving
Phoneticsprov·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹuvɪŋ/
UK/pɹˈuːvɪŋ/
Definitions
01showing truth
B1 · Intermediate
v. showing that something is definitely true by using facts or evidence.
v. demonstrating the truth or validity of a proposition through evidence or logical argument.
“Proving his innocence took many years and a lot of hard work.”
“Proving the theorem required a sophisticated understanding of non-Euclidean geometry that few in the department possessed.”
Usage
Often followed by a 'that' clause or a direct object.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02turning out to be
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. becoming or showing itself to be a certain way over time.
v. turning out to be or manifesting a particular quality in the course of time.
“The new software is proving very useful for our daily tasks.”
“The initial investment is proving more lucrative than the board had anticipated, despite the volatile market conditions.”
Usage
Commonly used with an adjective as a complement.
03testing substances
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Medicine Technical
n. the process of testing how a substance affects the body.
n. the systematic process of testing a substance on healthy subjects to observe its effects.
“The scientist spent months on the proving of the new herbal extract.”
“The clinical proving of the compound revealed several unexpected side effects that necessitated a complete revision of the dosage guidelines.”
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialized sense mostly found in historical or alternative medicine contexts; general learners should focus on the verb forms.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle English provyng, pryvynge, equivalent to prove + -ing.
From Middle English provyng, prevyng, provynge, prevynge, preovyng, prufunge, preofunge, from Old English *prōfung, equivalent to prove + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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