proof

Universal Words noun, adjective, verb noun 1 [U,C] ~ (of sth / that...) information, documents, etc. that show that sth is true: positive / conclusive proof * Can you provide any proof of identity? * Keep the receipt as proof of purchase. * There is no proof that the knife belonged to her. * These results are a further proof of his outstanding ability. 2 [U] the process of testing whether sth is true or a fact: Is the claim capable of proof? seealsoBURDENOFPROOF 3 [C] (mathematics) a way of proving that a statement is true or that what you have calculated is correct 4 [C,usually pl.] a copy of printed material which is produced so that mistakes can be corrected: She was checking the proofs of her latest novel. 5 [U] a standard used to measure the strength of alcoholic drinks: What proof is this whisky? * (BrE) The purest whisky is 80% proof. * (AmE) It's 160 (= degrees) proof. IDIOMS the proof of the pudding (is in the eating) (saying) you can only judge if sth is good or bad when you have tried it moreatLIVINGadj. adjective 1 ~ against sth (formal) that can resist the damaging or harmful effects of sth: The sea wall was not proof against the strength of the waves. 2 (in compounds) that can resist or protect against the thing mentioned: rainproof / windproof clothing * The car has childproof locks on the rear doors. * an inflation-proof pension plan verb [VN] 1 to put a special substance on sth, especially fabric, to protect it against water, fire, etc: proofed canvas 2 to produce a test copy of a piece of printed work so that mistakes can be corrected: colour proofing