faire preuve de
to show, to demonstrate
Literally: to make proof of
Use it to describe someone's character traits based on their visible actions and behavior.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to show abstract qualities like courage or patience.
- Combines the verb 'faire' with 'preuve de' and a noun.
- Common in professional, academic, and serious personal contexts.
Meaning
This phrase is used to say that someone is showing or demonstrating a specific quality or character trait through their actions.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a frustrated friend
Tu dois faire preuve de patience avec lui.
You need to show some patience with him.
Writing a formal work evaluation
L'employé a fait preuve d'un grand professionnalisme.
The employee demonstrated great professionalism.
Texting a friend about a difficult choice
Fais preuve de bon sens, s'il te plaît !
Show some common sense, please!
Cultural Background
This expression stems from the French legal and philosophical tradition of requiring 'proof' (preuve) for any claim. It became a staple of formal French because it sounds objective and grounded in observation rather than just opinion.
No Article Needed
Usually, you don't use 'le' or 'la' after 'de'. It's 'faire preuve de courage', not 'de le courage'.
Abstract Only
Never use this for physical objects. If you can touch it, use 'montrer' instead.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to show abstract qualities like courage or patience.
- Combines the verb 'faire' with 'preuve de' and a noun.
- Common in professional, academic, and serious personal contexts.
What It Means
Imagine you aren't just saying you are brave. You are actually doing something brave. You are providing 'proof' of that courage through your behavior. That is exactly what faire preuve de does. It links your actions to a specific character trait. It is like putting a quality on display for others to see.
How To Use It
This phrase is like a simple Lego set. You take the verb faire and add preuve de. After that, you just drop in an abstract noun. Usually, it is something like patience, courage, or sagesse. Note that the noun usually does not need an article. You just say faire preuve de courage. It is clean and direct.
When To Use It
It is perfect for performance reviews at work. Use it when you want to sound mature and observant. It works well in school reports or serious discussions. If your friend stays calm during a crisis, tell them they font preuve de calme. It adds a touch of class to your French conversation. It feels very sophisticated yet accessible.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for physical objects. You cannot faire preuve de your new car. That would sound like a scientific experiment. Also, avoid it in very high-energy street slang. It might sound a bit too 'academic' for a rowdy party. Stick to using it for personality traits and virtues.
Cultural Background
French culture values logic and tangible evidence. This phrase reflects that 'Cartesian' mindset perfectly. It is not enough to simply possess a virtue. You must demonstrate it through your choices. It shows you value character and real actions over empty words. It is a very 'adult' way to speak in France.
Common Variations
You can spice it up with adjectives easily. You might faire preuve d'une grande patience. Or perhaps you faites preuve d'un manque de something. This means you are showing a lack of a quality. It is a versatile tool for your linguistic belt. It helps you describe people with nuance.
Usage Notes
This is a B1 level phrase that bridges the gap between basic and advanced French. It is highly valued in professional writing and serious interpersonal communication.
No Article Needed
Usually, you don't use 'le' or 'la' after 'de'. It's 'faire preuve de courage', not 'de le courage'.
Abstract Only
Never use this for physical objects. If you can touch it, use 'montrer' instead.
The 'Sang-froid' Combo
The most common French pairing is 'faire preuve de sang-froid' (to show composure). It's a high-level compliment!
Examples
6Tu dois faire preuve de patience avec lui.
You need to show some patience with him.
Here, 'patience' is the abstract quality being demonstrated.
L'employé a fait preuve d'un grand professionnalisme.
The employee demonstrated great professionalism.
This is a standard way to praise someone in a French office.
Fais preuve de bon sens, s'il te plaît !
Show some common sense, please!
A slightly firm but casual way to give advice via text.
Il fait preuve d'un talent rare pour tout casser.
He shows a rare talent for breaking everything.
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation creates irony.
Elle a fait preuve d'un courage immense face au danger.
She showed immense courage in the face of danger.
Focuses on the emotional weight of her actions.
Ils ont fait preuve de mauvaise volonté.
They showed a lack of goodwill.
Shows how the phrase can be used for negative traits too.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase to describe showing wisdom.
Pour résoudre ce conflit, nous devons ___ sagesse.
The standard collocation is always 'faire preuve de' followed by the noun.
Choose the best noun to complete this professional compliment.
Vous avez fait preuve d'une grande ___ lors de la réunion.
The phrase must be followed by an abstract quality, not a physical object.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Faire preuve de'
Used with friends for advice.
Fais preuve de patience.
Standard daily conversation.
Il fait preuve de courage.
Professional reviews and news reports.
Le ministre a fait preuve de fermeté.
Where to use 'Faire preuve de'
Job Interview
Show leadership skills.
Parenting
Show patience with kids.
Sports
Show team spirit.
Crisis
Show sang-froid (calm).
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt means to demonstrate or show a specific quality through your actions. For example, faire preuve de générosité means showing generosity.
Yes, it's neutral enough for texting. You might tell a friend Fais preuve de patience if they are complaining.
Yes, montrer is for physical things (show me your phone). Faire preuve de is for abstract qualities (show me your courage).
Usually no. It is almost always just de or d' before the noun, like faire preuve d'autorité.
Absolutely. You can say someone fait preuve de bêtise (shows stupidity) or de lâcheté (shows cowardice).
It is neutral to formal. It sounds more educated than just saying il est patient, but it's not overly stiff.
You say faire preuve d'un manque de. For example, Il fait preuve d'un manque de respect.
Common ones include courage, patience, sang-froid, professionnalisme, and détermination.
Yes, just conjugate the verb faire. For example, J'ai fait preuve de prudence (I showed caution).
In French logic, your actions are 'proof' of your internal character. The phrase literally means 'to make proof of'.
No, preuve stays singular in this specific idiom.
It's better to say faire preuve de talent. Adding 'mon' makes it sound a bit clunky in French.
Related Phrases
témoigner de
faire montre de
manquer de
faire preuve d'autorité
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