prove oneself

English

Verb

prove oneself (third-person singular simple present proves oneself, present participle proving oneself, simple past proved oneself, past participle proved oneself or proven oneself)

1. (intransitive) To demonstrate or establish one's own worth.
   • 2002, Helen Duncan, Kate Rice: Prospector, Dundurn, →ISBN, page 58:

     The man known as Dick Woosey belonged to it all, had proved himself, just as Dan Mosher had proved himself.

   • 2004, Penny Mickelbury, Darkness Descending, Kings Crossing Publishing, →ISBN, page 16:

     The beating severely damaged her eye and caused severe emotional and psychological trauma, but Cassie had fought back, rehabilitated herself, and proved herself worthy of a return to full time active duty. Proved herself over and over again, at every opportunity.

   • 2006, Donna Alward, The Girl Most Likely, Samhain Publishing, →ISBN, page 160:

     “I think you're insecure and hell bent on 'proving' yourself no matter what the cost to you or anyone else.” He took a breath, saw her mouth drop open in shock and carried on before he lost his nerve.

   • 2010, Craig Dunham, Doug Serven, TwentySomeone: Finding Yourself in a Decade of Transition, WaterBrook Press, →ISBN:

     Paul said of Timothy: “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare” (verse 20), and “Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel” (verse 22).

   • 2011, Steve Zaffron, Dave Logan, The Three Laws of Performance: Rewriting the Future of Your Organization and Your Life, John Wiley & Sons, →ISBN:

     Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. — Leo Tolstoy Who or what is leading your life? The approval of others? Pleasing your mother or father? Others' expectations of you? Proving yourself to others?

Translations