How to pronounce prove
Say it like PROOV. Prove is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- PROOV
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Prove pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PROOVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of prove
American and British speakers say prove in essentially the same way: /pruv/ in the US and /pruːv/ in the UK.
British respelling: PROOV.
What does prove mean?
- To demonstrate that something is true or viable; to give proof for; to bear out; to testify.“I will prove that my method is more effective than yours.”
- To turn out; to manifest.“It proved to be a cold day.”
- To turn out to be.“Have an exit strategy should your calculations prove incorrect.”
- The process of dough proofing.
- simple past of proove
Where does prove come from?
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 (“
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- substantiate
- turn out
- turn up
- demonstrate
- establish
- show
- shew
- testify
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with prove
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of prove.
Questions about saying prove
How do you pronounce prove?
Say PROOV. The American pronunciation is /pruv/. In British English it is /pruːv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in prove?
Prove is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: PROOV.
Do Americans and Brits say prove the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /pruv/ and the British form is /pruːv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.