1 C1 idiomatic neutral
to test something and show that it works as expected
"The team spent six months proving out the new battery design."
separable
prove out
C1 neutral both transitive/intransitive
to show by testing or experience that something works or is true
In plain English
to show something is right by checking or trying it
What does "prove out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
to be shown by evidence or testing to be correct or effective
"Their early assumptions proved out once the full data arrived."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Literally, to prove something fully or outwardly.
Actually means
to show something is right by checking or trying it
Usage tip
Common in engineering, business, manufacturing, and data analysis. In some contexts, the subject is the thing tested: 'The design proved out.'
Words that pair with "prove out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
the model the concept the design assumption the numbers strategy
How to conjugate "prove out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
prove out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
proves out
he/she/it
Past simple
proved out
yesterday
Past participle
proved out
have + pp
-ing form
proving out
continuous
Hear "prove out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "prove out"
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