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B1 noun #2,500 most common 11 min read

preuve

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips preuve in 30 Seconds
Explanation preuve in your Level:
At the A1 level, the word 'preuve' is introduced as a simple noun meaning 'proof'. Beginners learn to recognize this word in basic sentences, often in the context of someone asking for validation or showing something to confirm a statement. At this stage, the focus is purely on understanding the literal translation and recognizing its feminine gender ('la preuve', 'une preuve'). You might encounter it in simple dialogues where one person says 'C'est vrai !' (It's true!) and the other responds 'Donne-moi une preuve !' (Give me a proof!). While A1 learners are not expected to use complex idiomatic expressions, knowing this word helps them understand basic narratives, especially in simplified stories or beginner-level reading materials where a character needs to prove something. The emphasis is on building a foundational vocabulary where 'preuve' sits alongside words like 'vérité' (truth) and 'faux' (false). Teachers often use visual aids, like a receipt, to explain 'une preuve d'achat' (a proof of purchase), connecting the abstract concept to a concrete, everyday object that a beginner can easily grasp.
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For A2 learners, the understanding of 'preuve' expands to include plural forms and slightly more complex sentence structures. Learners at this level start using 'preuve' with common verbs like 'avoir' (to have), 'chercher' (to look for), and 'trouver' (to find). They learn to form sentences such as 'Je cherche des preuves' (I am looking for evidence) or 'Il n'a pas de preuve' (He has no proof). The distinction between singular and plural becomes important here, as learners realize that unlike the English uncountable noun 'evidence', the French word 'preuve' can be counted ('une preuve', 'deux preuves', 'des preuves'). A2 students also begin to encounter 'preuve' in the context of simple media consumption, such as reading short news briefs or watching beginner-friendly mystery shows where detectives look for clues and proofs. They learn to express basic necessity, like 'J'ai besoin d'une preuve' (I need proof). This level solidifies the grammatical mechanics of using the noun in various standard sentence patterns, preparing them for the more abstract and idiomatic uses introduced in the intermediate levels.
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At the B1 level, 'preuve' becomes a highly active and versatile part of the learner's vocabulary. This is the stage where idiomatic expressions are introduced and heavily practiced. The most critical addition is the verbal phrase 'faire preuve de' (to show/demonstrate a quality), which is essential for describing behavior and character traits (e.g., 'faire preuve de patience', 'faire preuve de courage'). B1 learners are expected to participate in discussions, express opinions, and justify their viewpoints. Therefore, phrases like 'la preuve que' (the proof that) and 'sans preuve' (without proof) become crucial tools for argumentation. Learners are taught to avoid the false friend 'évidence' when they mean 'evidence', a common pitfall that is explicitly addressed at this level. The vocabulary surrounding 'preuve' expands to include adjectives that modify it, such as 'une preuve concrète' (concrete proof) or 'une preuve évidente' (obvious proof). By the end of B1, students should feel comfortable using 'preuve' not just to talk about physical objects like receipts or clues, but as an abstract concept in debates and essays.
At the B2 level, learners are expected to handle complex texts and articulate nuanced arguments, making 'preuve' a cornerstone of their academic and professional vocabulary. The usage of the word becomes more sophisticated, incorporating advanced collocations such as 'apporter la preuve' (to provide proof), 'fournir des preuves' (to supply evidence), and 'des preuves accablantes' (damning evidence). B2 students encounter the word frequently in authentic materials like newspaper articles, political debates, and literature. They learn the idiom 'faire ses preuves' (to prove oneself), which is vital for professional and workplace contexts. At this stage, learners must demonstrate the ability to construct cohesive arguments using 'preuve' as a linking concept, for instance, 'À l'appui de cette théorie, nous avons plusieurs preuves...' (In support of this theory, we have several pieces of evidence...). The distinction between related terms like 'indice' (clue), 'témoignage' (testimony), and 'preuve' (proof) is refined, allowing B2 speakers to be precise in their descriptions of investigations, scientific research, or legal scenarios.
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For C1 learners, mastery of 'preuve' involves a deep understanding of its stylistic and register variations. At this advanced level, learners engage with complex legal, philosophical, and scientific texts where 'preuve' is used in highly specific ways. They learn legal terminology such as 'la charge de la preuve' (the burden of proof) and 'une preuve irréfragable' (an irrefutable proof). C1 students are expected to use the word effortlessly in abstract and theoretical discussions, such as debating the 'preuves de l'existence' (proofs of existence) in philosophy or the 'preuves empiriques' (empirical evidence) in science. They also master subtle literary expressions and can play with the word's nuances in persuasive writing. The ability to seamlessly integrate expressions like 'jusqu'à preuve du contraire' (until proven otherwise) into spontaneous, high-level conversation is a hallmark of C1 proficiency. At this stage, the focus is no longer on the grammar of the word, but on its rhetorical power and its precise application in specialized fields.
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At the C2 level, the learner's use of 'preuve' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. They possess a complete command of all idiomatic, literary, and technical uses of the word. C2 speakers can effortlessly navigate historical and cultural texts where the concept of 'preuve' might carry specific historical weight (e.g., historical trials, scientific revolutions). They can employ archaic or highly formal variations and understand the subtle irony or emphasis when 'preuve' is used in rhetorical questions or exclamations (e.g., 'Et la preuve en est que...'). At this level of near-native fluency, learners can deconstruct arguments by analyzing the nature of the 'preuves' presented, critiquing the validity of 'preuves circonstancielles' (circumstantial evidence) versus 'preuves matérielles' (material evidence) with sophisticated vocabulary. They use 'preuve' not just to communicate information, but to structure complex, multi-layered discourse, demonstrating an intuitive grasp of the word's rhythm, collocations, and cultural resonance within the French language.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

preuve in 30 Seconds

  • Means 'proof' or 'evidence'.
  • Feminine noun: la preuve.
  • Used in law, science, and daily life.
  • Idiom: 'faire preuve de' (to show).
The French word 'preuve' is a feminine noun that translates primarily to 'proof' or 'evidence' in English. It is a fundamental vocabulary word for learners at the B1 level, as it bridges the gap between simple concrete nouns and more abstract, argumentative concepts. Understanding 'preuve' is essential for expressing certainty, validating claims, and engaging in debates or discussions. The concept of proof is deeply embedded in human communication, serving as the foundation for trust, scientific inquiry, legal proceedings, and everyday reasoning. When you use the word 'preuve', you are indicating that there is information, a fact, an object, or a demonstration that establishes the truth or validity of a statement or belief. In French, the usage of this word extends across various domains, from casual conversations about personal relationships to highly formal legal and scientific contexts.
Etymological Root
Derived from the Late Latin 'proba', meaning a test or proof, which itself comes from the verb 'probare' (to test, to prove).

Voici la preuve que j'avais raison depuis le début de cette longue discussion.

The word is often used in the singular when referring to a specific piece of evidence or the abstract concept of proof, but it is equally common in the plural, 'les preuves', when referring to multiple pieces of evidence, especially in a legal or investigative context.
Legal Context
In law, 'la charge de la preuve' refers to the burden of proof, a crucial concept in jurisprudence.

La police a trouvé une preuve accablante sur les lieux du crime.

Furthermore, 'preuve' is not just about physical evidence; it can also be abstract. For instance, a 'preuve d'amour' (proof of love) is a common expression used to describe an action or gesture that demonstrates one's affection.

Il lui a offert des fleurs comme preuve de son affection sincère.

This is a classic false friend. If something is an 'évidence' in French, it means it is obvious, not that it is proof. If you want to say 'evidence' in the investigative sense, you must use 'preuve'.
Mathematical Context
In mathematics, a proof is often called 'une démonstration', though 'une preuve' is also used, especially in modern contexts influenced by English.

Le mathématicien a publié la preuve du théorème après des années de recherche.

Sans preuve tangible, le juge ne peut pas condamner cet homme.

To fully master this word, one must also understand its collocations and the verbs it frequently pairs with, such as 'apporter' (to bring), 'fournir' (to provide), and 'trouver' (to find). By integrating 'preuve' into your vocabulary, you elevate your ability to argue, persuade, and articulate complex thoughts in French, moving beyond simple descriptions to logical reasoning and substantiation of facts.
Using the word 'preuve' correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement, its common verb pairings, and the idiomatic expressions it forms. As a feminine noun, it requires feminine articles and adjectives: 'une bonne preuve', 'la seule preuve', 'des preuves irréfutables'. One of the most common ways to use this word is with the verb 'avoir' (to have). When you want to ask someone if they have proof, you say, 'As-tu des preuves ?' or 'Avez-vous une preuve ?'.
Verb Pairing: Apporter
To bring proof or evidence is 'apporter une preuve'. This is highly common in formal and legal contexts.

L'avocat doit apporter la preuve de l'innocence de son client.

The expression 'faire preuve de' is extremely important for B1 and B2 learners. It translates roughly to 'to show proof of' but is used idiomatically to mean 'to display' a certain character trait or emotion. For example, 'Il fait preuve de courage' means 'He is showing courage'.

Pendant la crise, elle a fait preuve d'un grand sang-froid.

Verb Pairing: Faire ses preuves
This idiom means 'to prove oneself' or 'to show what one is capable of'.

Le nouveau stagiaire doit encore faire ses preuves dans l'entreprise.

Another crucial structure is 'la preuve que', which acts as a conjunction meaning 'the proof that'. It is used to introduce a subordinate clause that validates a previous statement.

Il pleut, c'est la preuve que la météo avait raison ce matin.

You will also frequently encounter the phrase 'à l'appui', as in 'preuves à l'appui', which means 'with supporting evidence'. This is often used in journalism or academic writing when someone makes a claim and backs it up with data or facts.
Prepositional Phrase: Sans preuve
Meaning 'without proof', this is used to describe baseless accusations or unfounded claims.

Vous ne pouvez pas l'accuser de vol sans preuve concrète.

When using 'preuve' in the plural, it often refers to a collection of evidence. 'Rassembler des preuves' (to gather evidence) and 'détruire des preuves' (to destroy evidence) are common collocations in crime dramas and news reports. Mastering these various constructions allows you to use 'preuve' flexibly, whether you are reassuring a friend, arguing a point in an essay, or discussing a news article.
The word 'preuve' is ubiquitous in the French language, appearing in a wide array of contexts ranging from everyday informal conversations to highly specialized professional jargon. You will hear it frequently in daily life when people are trying to convince each other of something. For instance, children might argue on a playground, demanding 'Donne-moi une preuve !' (Give me proof!) when a peer makes an unbelievable claim.
News and Media
Journalists use 'preuve' constantly when reporting on investigations, political scandals, or scientific discoveries.

Les journalistes ont publié un article avec des preuves accablantes contre le ministre.

In the realm of television and cinema, police procedurals and legal dramas rely heavily on this vocabulary. Detectives are always searching for 'la preuve matérielle' (physical evidence) or 'des preuves ADN' (DNA evidence).

L'inspecteur a déclaré que cette arme était la preuve clé de l'enquête.

Academic and Scientific Discourse
In universities and research institutions, 'preuve' is used to validate hypotheses and establish facts.

Cette étude fournit la première preuve clinique de l'efficacité du vaccin.

In the workplace, especially in corporate environments, you might hear the expression 'faire ses preuves'. When a new employee joins a team, managers will observe them to see if they can 'faire leurs preuves' (prove themselves).

Avant de demander une promotion, tu dois d'abord faire tes preuves sur ce projet.

You will also hear it in emotional or relational contexts. People often seek reassurance in relationships, asking for 'des preuves d'amour' or 'des preuves de confiance'.
Literature and Philosophy
Philosophers discuss the 'preuves de l'existence de Dieu' (proofs of the existence of God), making it a staple of abstract thought.

Descartes a cherché une preuve irréfutable de sa propre existence.

Furthermore, in consumer contexts, a 'preuve d'achat' (proof of purchase) is required when you want to return a defective item to a store. The cashier will ask, 'Avez-vous une preuve d'achat ?' referring to the receipt. Because it spans so many domains—legal, scientific, emotional, professional, and commercial—'preuve' is a high-frequency word that any intermediate learner must recognize instantly.
When learning the word 'preuve', English speakers frequently fall into several predictable traps, primarily due to false friends and literal translations. The most notorious mistake is confusing the French word 'évidence' with the English word 'evidence'. In English, 'evidence' refers to facts or information indicating whether a belief is true, which is exactly what 'preuve' means in French. However, the French word 'évidence' means 'obviousness' or 'a self-evident truth'.
The False Friend Trap
Never translate the English noun 'evidence' (in a legal or scientific sense) as 'évidence' in French.

Incorrect: La police a trouvé une évidence. Correct: La police a trouvé une preuve.

Another common error relates to the expression 'faire preuve de'. English speakers often try to translate 'to show courage' literally as 'montrer du courage', which is grammatically correct but less idiomatic in formal contexts than 'faire preuve de courage'. Learners sometimes mistakenly say 'faire une preuve de', adding an unnecessary article.

Incorrect: Il fait une preuve de patience. Correct: Il fait preuve de patience.

Plural vs. Singular
English 'evidence' is an uncountable noun (you cannot say 'two evidences'). French 'preuve' is countable (you can say 'deux preuves').

Nous avons rassemblé plusieurs preuves pour soutenir notre théorie.

Because 'evidence' is uncountable in English, learners often hesitate to use 'preuves' in the plural in French. Remember that if you have multiple pieces of evidence, you must use the plural 'les preuves'. Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the preposition that follows 'preuve'. When saying 'proof of something', the correct preposition is 'de'. For example, 'la preuve de son innocence' (the proof of his innocence). Using 'pour' or 'à' in this context is incorrect.
Idiom Confusion
Do not confuse 'faire ses preuves' (to prove oneself) with 'faire la preuve de' (to prove something).

Elle a fait ses preuves en tant que directrice (She proved herself as a director).

Elle a fait la preuve de son talent (She proved her talent).

By being aware of these subtle distinctions—especially the 'évidence' false friend and the countability of the noun—you can avoid the most glaring errors and sound much more natural and proficient when speaking or writing in French.
The French language offers a rich vocabulary for expressing concepts related to validation, demonstration, and certainty. While 'preuve' is the most direct translation for 'proof' or 'evidence', several other words share similar semantic space, and knowing when to use them can greatly enhance your precision. One such word is 'démonstration'. While it can mean a physical demonstration or protest, in academic and mathematical contexts, it refers to a logical proof.
Démonstration
Used primarily in mathematics, logic, and formal argumentation to describe the step-by-step process of proving a theorem or claim.

Le professeur a terminé la démonstration, ce qui constitue une preuve irréfutable.

Another related term is 'témoignage', which translates to 'testimony' or 'witness account'. In a legal context, a 'témoignage' can serve as a 'preuve', but they are not strictly synonymous. A testimony is specifically a verbal or written statement given by a person, whereas a proof can be an inanimate object or a logical deduction.

Son témoignage a été accepté comme preuve par le tribunal.

Indice
An 'indice' is a clue or a hint. It suggests something might be true, but it is not definitive enough to be a 'preuve'.

La police a trouvé des indices, mais ils n'ont pas encore de preuve formelle.

The word 'justification' is also related. It refers to the act of showing something to be right or reasonable. You might provide a 'justification' for your actions, which acts as a kind of moral or logical 'preuve' that you acted correctly. In administrative contexts, you will frequently encounter 'attestation' or 'certificat'. When a bank or a government agency asks for 'une preuve de domicile' (proof of address), the document you provide is technically an 'attestation'.
Signe
A 'signe' (sign) is an observable indication. Like an 'indice', it is weaker than a 'preuve'.

Ces nuages noirs sont le signe qu'il va pleuvoir, c'est une preuve de l'orage imminent.

Il n'y a aucune preuve tangible, seulement des présomptions et des rumeurs.

Understanding the hierarchy of these words—from a mere 'signe' or 'indice' (clue), to a 'témoignage' (testimony), up to a definitive 'preuve' (proof) or 'démonstration' (logical proof)—allows you to articulate degrees of certainty with native-like nuance.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Using 'de' after nouns (la preuve de...)

The expression 'avoir besoin de' (avoir besoin d'une preuve)

Subjunctive after 'jusqu'à ce que' (related to 'jusqu'à preuve du contraire')

Agreement of adjectives with feminine nouns (une preuve accablante)

Using 'sans' + noun without an article (sans preuve)

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Examples by Level

1

C'est la preuve.

It is the proof.

Uses the definite article 'la' indicating a specific proof.

2

Voici une preuve.

Here is a proof.

Uses the indefinite article 'une'.

3

Où est la preuve ?

Where is the proof?

Basic interrogative structure.

4

Je veux une preuve.

I want a proof.

Subject + verb (vouloir) + direct object.

5

C'est une bonne preuve.

It is a good proof.

Adjective 'bonne' placed before the noun.

6

Il a la preuve.

He has the proof.

Using the verb 'avoir'.

7

Regarde cette preuve.

Look at this proof.

Imperative form with demonstrative adjective 'cette'.

8

La preuve est là.

The proof is there.

Simple subject + verb (être) + location.

1

J'ai besoin d'une preuve.

I need a proof.

Expression 'avoir besoin de'.

2

Tu as des preuves ?

Do you have any evidence?

Plural form 'des preuves'.

3

Il n'y a pas de preuve.

There is no proof.

Negative structure 'ne... pas de'.

4

C'est la preuve d'achat.

It's the proof of purchase.

Noun complement with 'de'.

5

Nous cherchons des preuves.

We are looking for evidence.

Present tense of 'chercher'.

6

Elle a trouvé une preuve.

She found a piece of evidence.

Passé composé of 'trouver'.

7

Donnez-moi une preuve claire.

Give me clear proof.

Imperative with an adjective following the noun.

8

Ce message est une preuve.

This message is a proof.

Demonstrative adjective 'ce' with a noun.

1

Il fait preuve de beaucoup de courage.

He shows a lot of courage.

Idiomatic expression 'faire preuve de'.

2

C'est la preuve que tu as tort.

It's the proof that you are wrong.

Conjunction 'la preuve que'.

3

La police n'a trouvé aucune preuve.

The police found no evidence.

Negative pronoun 'aucune'.

4

C'est une belle preuve d'amour.

It's a beautiful proof of love.

Common collocation 'preuve d'amour'.

5

Il a été accusé sans preuve.

He was accused without proof.

Prepositional phrase 'sans preuve'.

6

Tu dois apporter la preuve de ton identité.

You must provide proof of your identity.

Formal verb pairing 'apporter la preuve'.

7

Les preuves sont insuffisantes.

The evidence is insufficient.

Plural subject with plural adjective agreement.

8

Il faut rassembler toutes les preuves.

We must gather all the evidence.

Verb 'rassembler' commonly used with 'preuves'.

1

Le nouveau directeur doit encore faire ses preuves.

The new director still has to prove himself.

Idiom 'faire ses preuves'.

2

Les preuves accablantes ont conduit à son arrestation.

The damning evidence led to his arrest.

Advanced adjective 'accablantes'.

3

Ils ont avancé cette théorie, preuves à l'appui.

They put forward this theory, backed by evidence.

Expression 'preuves à l'appui'.

4

Jusqu'à preuve du contraire, il est innocent.

Until proven otherwise, he is innocent.

Fixed expression 'jusqu'à preuve du contraire'.

5

La charge de la preuve incombe à l'accusation.

The burden of proof lies with the prosecution.

Legal terminology 'charge de la preuve'.

6

Elle a fait preuve d'une grande ingéniosité.

She demonstrated great ingenuity.

Using 'faire preuve de' with an abstract noun.

7

Ces documents constituent une preuve irréfutable.

These documents constitute irrefutable proof.

Formal verb 'constituer' and adjective 'irréfutable'.

8

Il a tenté de dissimuler les preuves du délit.

He tried to conceal the evidence of the crime.

Verb 'dissimuler' (to hide/conceal).

1

L'absence de preuves tangibles a motivé le non-lieu.

The lack of tangible evidence motivated the dismissal of the case.

Complex legal phrasing and vocabulary ('non-lieu').

2

La démonstration mathématique tient lieu de preuve absolue.

The mathematical demonstration serves as absolute proof.

Expression 'tenir lieu de' (to serve as).

3

Il s'évertue à chercher des preuves empiriques pour étayer sa thèse.

He strives to find empirical evidence to support his thesis.

Academic vocabulary ('empiriques', 'étayer').

4

Faire preuve de discernement est indispensable dans cette profession.

Showing discernment is essential in this profession.

Infinitive phrase used as the subject of the sentence.

5

Les preuves circonstancielles ne sauraient suffire à une condamnation.

Circumstantial evidence cannot suffice for a conviction.

Conditional of 'savoir' used to mean 'cannot'.

6

Ce chef-d'œuvre est la preuve éclatante de son génie.

This masterpiece is the glaring proof of his genius.

Literary adjective 'éclatante'.

7

L'administration exige une preuve de domiciliation datant de moins de trois mois.

The administration requires proof of residence dating back less than three months.

Administrative jargon ('domiciliation').

8

Ses détracteurs exigent des preuves, mais il n'en a cure.

His detractors demand proof, but he doesn't care.

Literary expression 'n'en avoir cure'.

1

Il incombe à la partie demanderesse d'administrer la preuve de ses allégations.

It is incumbent upon the plaintiff to adduce proof of their allegations.

Highly formal legal syntax ('administrer la preuve').

2

L'ontologie cartésienne repose sur des preuves de l'existence de Dieu.

Cartesian ontology rests on proofs of the existence of God.

Philosophical context and terminology.

3

C'est faire preuve d'une rare cuistrerie que d'affirmer cela sans fondement.

It is showing a rare pedantry to assert that without foundation.

Use of rare literary vocabulary ('cuistrerie').

4

La preuve par l'absurde demeure l'un des piliers du raisonnement logique.

Proof by contradiction remains one of the pillars of logical reasoning.

Mathematical/logical concept ('preuve par l'absurde').

5

Toute cette machination s'est effondrée à l'épreuve des faits, faute de preuves.

This whole machination collapsed when put to the test of facts, for lack of evidence.

Play on words between 'épreuve' (test) and 'preuves' (evidence).

6

Il a administré la preuve de sa duplicité par ses propres écrits.

He provided proof of his duplicity through his own writings.

Formal verb 'administrer' and advanced noun 'duplicité'.

7

L'historiographie moderne requiert une critique acerbe des preuves documentaires.

Modern historiography requires a harsh critique of documentary evidence.

Academic phrasing in the field of history.

8

Qu'il ait agi ainsi est la preuve manifeste de son désarroi intérieur.

That he acted in such a way is the manifest proof of his inner turmoil.

Subjunctive clause acting as the subject.

Common Collocations

preuve d'amour
preuve d'achat
preuve accablante
preuve irréfutable
preuve matérielle
charge de la preuve
manque de preuves
sans preuve
apporter la preuve
rassembler des preuves

Common Phrases

faire preuve de
faire ses preuves
preuves à l'appui
jusqu'à preuve du contraire
la preuve en est que
sans l'ombre d'une preuve
preuve par neuf
preuve à charge
preuve à décharge
en guise de preuve

Often Confused With

preuve vs évidence

preuve vs épreuve

preuve vs démonstration

Idioms & Expressions

"faire ses preuves"
"faire preuve de"
"la preuve par l'absurde"
"la preuve par quatre"
"avoir fait ses preuves"
"être à l'épreuve de"
"mettre à l'épreuve"
"preuve vivante"
"preuve d'esprit"
"preuve de bonne foi"

Easily Confused

preuve vs

preuve vs

preuve vs

preuve vs

preuve vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

note

While 'preuve' is countable, it is often used in the plural ('les preuves') when referring to a body of evidence in a legal context.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'évidence' instead of 'preuve' to mean 'evidence'.
  • Saying 'faire une preuve de' instead of 'faire preuve de' (adding an unnecessary article).
  • Treating 'preuve' as an uncountable noun and refusing to use the plural 'preuves'.
  • Confusing 'preuve' (proof) with 'épreuve' (test/hardship).
  • Using the preposition 'pour' instead of 'de' (e.g., saying 'la preuve pour son innocence' instead of 'la preuve de son innocence').

Tips

Feminine Agreement

Always ensure that adjectives modifying 'preuve' are in the feminine form. For example, write 'une preuve irréfutable', not 'irréfutable' (though in this case the spelling is the same, be careful with others like 'accablante').

False Friend Alert

Never translate 'evidence' as 'évidence'. If you are talking about police evidence or scientific evidence, the only correct word is 'preuve'.

Faire preuve de

Memorize 'faire preuve de + noun' to describe behavior. It is much more natural than saying 'montrer du + noun' when talking about qualities like patience or courage.

The 'eu' sound

Practice the 'eu' sound in 'preuve'. It is similar to the vowel sound in the English word 'sir' or 'fur', but with rounded lips.

Professional Context

Use 'faire ses preuves' when talking about career advancement. It shows you understand corporate French idioms.

Preuves à l'appui

Use the phrase 'preuves à l'appui' at the end of a sentence to mean 'with supporting evidence'. It sounds very sophisticated.

Sans preuve

When saying 'without proof', do not use an article. Just say 'sans preuve', not 'sans une preuve'.

Legal French

If you are interested in law, learn 'la charge de la preuve' (burden of proof). It is a fundamental concept in French jurisprudence.

La preuve !

In an informal argument, if something happens that proves your point, just point and say 'La preuve !' It's a great conversational shortcut.

Apporter vs Donner

In formal writing, prefer 'apporter une preuve' (to bring a proof) over 'donner une preuve' (to give a proof).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'PROVE' - just add a 'u' and an 'e' to get PREUVE.

Word Origin

Late Latin

Cultural Context

The expression 'preuve d'amour' is deeply rooted in French romantic literature, emphasizing that love must be demonstrated through actions, not just words.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Quelle est la meilleure preuve d'amitié selon toi ?"

"Penses-tu qu'il faille toujours des preuves pour croire à quelque chose ?"

"As-tu déjà dû faire tes preuves dans un nouveau travail ?"

"Quelle est la preuve la plus accablante dans cette affaire criminelle ?"

"Crois-tu aux preuves scientifiques concernant le changement climatique ?"

Journal Prompts

Racontez une fois où vous avez dû faire vos preuves.

Quelle est, pour vous, la plus belle preuve d'amour ?

Écrivez une courte histoire policière où le détective trouve une preuve inattendue.

Débattez : Peut-on condamner quelqu'un sans preuve matérielle ?

Décrivez une situation où vous avez fait preuve de beaucoup de patience.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a feminine noun. You must say 'la preuve' or 'une preuve'. Any adjectives describing it must also be in the feminine form, such as 'une preuve claire'.

You say 'preuve' or 'des preuves'. Do not use the word 'évidence', which is a false friend meaning 'obviousness'.

It is an idiomatic expression meaning 'to show' or 'to demonstrate' a quality. For example, 'faire preuve de courage' means to show courage.

'Preuve' means proof or evidence. 'Épreuve' means a test, a trial, or a hardship. They come from the same root but have different meanings.

Yes, unlike the English word 'evidence', 'preuve' is countable. You can say 'des preuves' to mean multiple pieces of evidence.

It means 'to prove oneself'. It is often used in a professional context when someone needs to show they are capable of doing a job.

The correct translation is 'preuve d'achat'. It is commonly used in retail when returning an item.

It is a legal term that translates to 'the burden of proof'. It refers to the obligation to prove one's assertion.

Yes, though 'démonstration' is also very common. A mathematical proof can be called 'une preuve mathématique'.

It is a fixed expression meaning 'until proven otherwise'. It is used to state that a belief holds true unless new evidence contradicts it.

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