prófið

Prófið is the definite singular form of the Icelandic noun próf, which means a test, examination, trial, or sample. The base noun próf is neuter and widely used in education, science, and everyday speech. The word derives from Old Norse próf and is cognate with related terms in other Germanic languages, all linked to testing or proving something.

In usage, prófið denotes a specific test or examination; the indefinite form próf is used for any test. For example, Ég kláraði prófið í dag. Hún ætlaði að taka prófið á morgun. In broader contexts, próf can also refer to a trial run, a sample, or an experimental test of a process or product.

In mathematics and formal logic, the common Icelandic word for "proof" is sönnun, not próf, although everyday speech may occasionally use próf to mean a demonstration or verification.

The word is common in Icelandic education, science, and daily life, reflecting the broad sense of testing, evaluating, or proving something. As a definite form, prófið points to a well-known or previously mentioned test, aligning with Icelandic grammar where definite nouns refer to specific entities in discourse.