subproof

/ˈsʌbpruːf/

Definitions

1. noun

A subsidiary proof, often used to prove a lemma or intermediate result in a larger proof.

“The mathematician provided a subproof to justify the intermediate step in the complex equation.”

2. noun

A proof of a weaker statement than the original statement to be proven.

“The researcher constructed a subproof to establish a necessary condition for the main theorem.”

Synonyms

  • lemma
  • proof
  • subtheorem

Antonyms

  • counterexample
  • disproof