Wordiyoprob
LatinVariants
Related Roots
About This Root
From Latin probāre (to test, approve, prove), from probus (good, worthy). Spans testing and approval: prove (establish truth), probe (investigate), probable (likely true), probation (period of testing), probity (moral integrity). The seemingly unrelated improve shares this root — originally meaning 'to turn to profit' via Anglo-French emprouwer.
Associated Words
approbation
Official approval or praise
approve
To officially sanction; to have a positive opinion of
disprove
To prove something is false or incorrect; to refute
improbable
Not likely to be true or to happen
improve
to make or become better
probability
The likelihood of something happening; a mathematical measure of chance
probable
Likely to be true or to happen
probably
very likely; almost certainly
probation
A trial period for a new employee; a legal sentence allowing offenders to remain free under supervision
probe
To investigate thoroughly; a device or instrument used to explore or gather information
probity
Strong moral integrity and honesty
prove
to show that something is true
reprobate
An immoral or sinful person; to strongly condemn
reproof
A rebuke or expression of criticism
reprove
To gently rebuke or criticize someone