proof of purchase
PROOF uv PUR-chuhs
/pruːf əv ˈpɜːrtʃəs/
Evidence that an item has been bought, typically a receipt or a bank statement.
A broader term than 'receipt,' as it can include digital confirmations or credit card logs.
The story behind the word. A straightforward English compound. 'Proof' comes from Latin 'probare' (to test/prove), and 'purchase' comes from Old French 'purchacier' (to seek to obtain).
Word relationships
- receipt: Receipt is the specific paper; proof of purchase is the legal concept.
Commonly confused with
- invoice: An invoice is a bill; proof of purchase is evidence the bill was paid.
Collocations
- valid proof of purchase
- require proof of purchase
- retain proof of purchase
Example sentences
- "To claim your warranty, you must provide a valid proof of purchase." Warranty claim.
Memory hook
You need PROOF that you were the one to PURCHASE it. Evidence of buying.
When not to use
Do not use if you are just showing the item itself; you must show the transaction record.
Fun facts
- In some countries, a witness who saw you buy the item can legally count as proof of purchase, though stores rarely accept it.
Explore more words
receipt, confirmation, statement, traceability, provenance, Consumer
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