preuve
/pʁœv/feminine
The English word "proof" is translated into French as preuve.
preuve is used to describe the degree of evidence that convinces the mind of a truth or fact and produces belief. It is a feminine noun. A common idiomatic expression is preuve d'amour, which refers to a token of love or an act that demonstrates affection.
Meaning: the degree of evidence which convinces the mind of any truth or fact, and produces belief (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of preuve is preuves, which translates to "proofs" or "pieces of evidence".
How do you pronounce it?
/pʁœv/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using preuve when referring to a mathematical or logical proof. In those specific contexts, the correct French term is démonstration.
Did you know?
- The word preuve is closely linked to épreuve, which can mean a 'hardship' or 'ordeal'. This reflects a cultural link between being tested by life and providing proof of character.
- In French, the phrase faire ses preuves means to prove one's worth or competence through a period of trial, similar to the English 'proving ground'.
- The English word 'probity', meaning integrity, shares the same ancestral history as the French preuve through the Latin 'probare'.
Examples in context
- Où est la preuve ?Where's the proof?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the proof.Tatoeba #7410778 by lbdx, translation #7410473 by CK
- Je veux une preuve.I want proof.This sentence is useful for stating a desire for proof.Tatoeba #2427461 by sacredceltic, translation #2247446 by CK
- Tu as des preuves ?Do you have any proof?This sentence is useful for asking if someone possesses proof.Tatoeba #7778022 by Blabla, translation #2960902 by Hybrid
- Il n'y a pas de preuve concluante de son innocence.There is no conclusive proof of his innocence.
- Je veux voir des preuves concrètes de ses bonnes intentions.I want to see concrete proof of his good intentions.
- Son témoignage est une preuve de sa bonne foi.His testimony is proof of his good faith.
- 71 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are discussing a mystery in a book.
- ChloéIl n'y a aucune preuve contre lui.There is no proof against him.
- GabrielMais Gabriel pense qu'il est coupable.But Gabriel thinks he is guilty.
- ChloéUne preuve est nécessaire pour le condamner.Proof is necessary to convict him.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord avec toi, Chloé.I agree with you, Chloé.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “proof” translations and entries preuve, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries preuve, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
