proven

Everyday

1. Shown to be true by facts or evidence. tree →
2. Tested and known to work: a proven method. tree →
3. (law, Scotland) «Not proven» is a court verdict meaning there was not enough evidence. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science, a proven rule or fact is backed by proof or tests. In adverts, «proven» is used to make you trust a product; ask what the evidence is. Phrases: proven fact, proven method, it has been proven.

Examples

• It is a proven fact that the Earth goes round the Sun. tree →
• This is a proven way to learn spellings. tree →
• The rule has been proven for all whole numbers. tree →
• Nothing has been proven yet. tree →
• She is a proven winner. tree →
• The advert says it is clinically proven. tree →

Note

Both «proved» and «proven» are used as the past participle: «It has been proved/proven.» «Proven» is more common as an adjective before a noun. Verb: prove; noun: proof.