proof
Plural
proofs
1
information or evidence that proves the truth or existence of something
- The DNA results acted as proof that the suspect was at the scene of the crime.
- He provided proof of his identity with a valid passport and driver's license.
- The lawyer submitted proof of the defendant's whereabouts during the crime to strengthen the case.
- The historical documents served as proof of the ancient civilization's advanced engineering skills.
- She offered proof of her payment by showing the receipt from the transaction.
Synonyms:
2
a logical argument composed of a series of steps, each following from the previous, demonstrating that a statement is true
- The mathematician presented a proof of the theorem.
- The professor asked students to write a proof for the formula.
- The proof of the argument was rigorous and detailed.
- He completed a proof showing the sequence converges.
- Students learned to construct a proof for basic equations.
3
the act or process of testing or verifying the truth of something through evidence or argument
- The scientist conducted proof of the new method.
- The experiment served as proof of the hypothesis.
- Historical proof can be difficult to establish.
- They carried out proof of the device before production.
Synonyms:
4
a preliminary photographic print made from a negative to check composition, exposure, or quality before producing the final image
- The photographer printed a proof before the final edition.
- She examined the proof for color accuracy.
- Proofs allow adjustments before mass printing.
- The studio kept a proof for the client's approval.
- The proof was brighter than the final image.
5
a test impression made to check for errors before final production
- The printer produced a proof of the brochure.
- Proofs help catch typographical mistakes.
- The editor reviewed the proof carefully.
- Proofs are essential before large print runs.
- The proof highlighted a layout problem.
Synonyms:
6
a scale for measuring the strength of alcoholic beverages
Proof refers to a unit of measurement indicating the alcoholic strength of a beverage, particularly distilled spirits like whiskey, vodka, rum, and gin. In the United States, proof is defined as twice the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). For example, a beverage with 40% ABV would be considered 80 proof. Historically, the term "proof" originated in the United Kingdom, where it showed the alcohol content of spirits in relation to the amount of gunpowder that could still catch fire when soaked in the spirit. Today, it serves as a standard measure of alcohol strength, with 100 proof being typical for many spirits.
- In the United States, proof is a measure of the alcohol content in beverages, with 1 proof equal to 0.5% alcohol by volume.
- The term "proof" originates from the British Royal Navy, where sailors would test rum strength by igniting it with gunpowder; if it burned, it was "proof" it contained enough alcohol.
- A beverage that is 100 proof contains 50% alcohol by volume, while a 80 proof beverage contains 40% alcohol by volume.
- Bartenders and consumers often use the term "proof" informally to refer to the strength or potency of alcoholic drinks.
- The term "proof" originated from a test where gunpowder soaked in alcohol would still ignite if the spirit was sufficiently strong.