PROVE

(SHOW) [verb] [past:] proved, [past participle] [esp. US] proven - to show after a time or by experience that (something or someone) has a particular qualityDuring the rescue she proved herself (to be) a highly competent climber/highly competent as a climber. [T + object + (to be) noun or adjective]The dispute over who has rights to the song could prove impossible to resolve. [L]The operation on his broken leg proved a complete success. [L]Working with children proved to require more patience than he'd expected. [+ to infinitive]Yes, the new safety procedures have so far proved (to be) satisfactory. [L + (to be) noun or adjective]A proving ground is a situation or place where something such as a new theory or machine can be tested.