proof

I UK [pruːf] / US [pruf] noun
Word forms "proof":
singular proof plural proofs
**

Get it right: proof:

When proof means "information that proves something", it is almost always an uncountable noun, and so: ▪  it rarely comes after a or a number ▪  it is rarely used in the plural
Wrong: The fact that science never stops developing is a proof that man never stops using his imagination.
Right: The fact that science never stops developing is proof that man never stops using his imagination.
Wrong: There are no proofs that homosexual couples are not able to bring up healthy, stable children.
Right: There is no proof that homosexual couples are not able to bring up healthy, stable children. The countable noun proof (usually found in the plural) is a technical word for a copy of a book or article which has to be checked before being printed: The corrected proofs have been delivered to the printer.

1) [countable/uncountable] information or evidence that shows that something is definitely true or definitely exists

proof of:

We were unable to establish proof of her innocence.

Do you have any proof of identity (= a document such as a passport that proves who you are)?

proof that:

Do you have any proof that this is true?

•

Collocations:
Adjectives frequently used with proof
▪  ample, clear, conclusive, final, further, irrefutable, scientific, sufficient, tangible

2) [uncountable] a standard for measuring the strength of an alcoholic drink

3) [countable, usually plural] a copy of a book or article that someone reads and corrects before the final copy is made

•

the proof of the pudding (is in the eating) — you can only judge the quality of something by trying it for yourself

- living proof

- proof positive

II UK [pruːf] / US [pruf] adjective

if something is proof against someone or something, it is not affected or damaged by them

III UK [pruːf] / US [pruf] verb [transitive]
Word forms "proof":
present tense I/you/we/they proof he/she/it proofs present participle proofing past tense proofed past participle proofed

1) to protect something from being affected or damaged by something else

a proofed cotton raincoat

2) informal to proofread