proof
Proof is a fact or a piece of information that shows something is true. In a legal context, it is what a person uses to convince a judge or jury that a crime happened.
Examples
3 of 5Do you have proof of your name and address?
Do you have proof of your name and address?
The prosecutor provided proof of the defendant's guilt.
The prosecutor provided proof of the defendant's guilt.
I won't believe it until I see the proof.
I won't believe it until I see the proof.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Proof' and 'Truth'. Both words end in a similar way and both are about what is real.
Quick Quiz
The police need ___ to show that the man stole the money.
Correct!
The correct answer is: proof
Examples
Do you have proof of your name and address?
everydayDo you have proof of your name and address?
The prosecutor provided proof of the defendant's guilt.
formalThe prosecutor provided proof of the defendant's guilt.
I won't believe it until I see the proof.
informalI won't believe it until I see the proof.
The researcher must provide mathematical proof for the new theory.
academicThe researcher must provide mathematical proof for the new theory.
Please keep your receipt as proof of purchase.
businessPlease keep your receipt as proof of purchase.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
living proof
living proof
the proof is in the pudding
the proof is in the pudding
proof of payment
proof of payment
Often Confused With
Evidence is information that suggests something is true, while proof is enough evidence to make it a fact.
Prove is a verb (action), while proof is a noun (thing).
Usage Notes
Proof is generally used as an uncountable noun in everyday English, meaning we don't usually say 'a proof' or 'proofs' unless referring to specific logical or mathematical steps.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'I have a proof' instead of 'I have proof' or 'I have some proof.'
Memory Tip
Think of 'Proof' and 'Truth'. Both words end in a similar way and both are about what is real.
Word Origin
From the Old French word 'preuve', which means a test or a way to show something is good.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In legal systems like the US and UK, the 'burden of proof' usually lies with the person making the accusation.
Quick Quiz
The police need ___ to show that the man stole the money.
Correct!
The correct answer is: proof
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Information or objects that help to prove something is true...
courtA court is a flat, rectangular area marked with lines for pl...
witnessA witness is a person who sees an event, such as a crime or...
judgeA judge is a person who works in a court of law and makes of...
lawyerA lawyer is a professional person who studies the law and he...
More law words
prosecutor
A1A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government. Their job is to show a court that someone has committed a crime.
defendant
A1A defendant is a person or organization that is being accused of a crime or is being sued in a court of law. This person is required to answer the legal charges brought against them by another party.
plaintiff
A1A person or group who brings a legal case against another in a court of law. They are the ones starting the lawsuit because they believe they have been wronged.
jury
A1A group of ordinary people chosen to listen to the facts of a trial in a court of law. They listen to the evidence and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty.
lawsuit
A1A lawsuit is a legal case where one person or group brings a disagreement to a court of law for a judge to decide. It usually happens when someone wants money or a specific action from another person because of a problem or injury.
misdemeanor
A1A misdemeanor is a minor crime that is less serious than a felony. It is usually punished by a fine or a short period of time in a local jail rather than a state prison.
sentence
A1A sentence is a punishment given by a judge to someone who has been found guilty of a crime. It explains how much time a person must spend in prison or how much money they must pay as a fine.
bail
A1Bail is a sum of money paid to a court so that a person who has been accused of a crime can stay out of jail until their trial starts. If the person shows up for their court date, the money is usually returned.
fraud
A1Fraud is the illegal act of tricking someone to get their money or property. It is a crime where a person lies or hides the truth to gain an unfair advantage.
homicide
A1A homicide is when one person kills another person. It is a general term used by police and lawyers to describe any kind of killing, whether it was an accident or on purpose.
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