PROBATIVE

PRONUNCIATION: (PRO-buh-tiv, PROB-uh-)

MEANING: adjective: Serving to test something or providing a proof.

ETYMOLOGY: From Latin probare (to test or prove), from probus (upright, good). Ultimately from the Indo-European root per- (forward), which also gave us paramount, prime, proton, prow, German Frau (woman), and Hindi purana (old). Earliest documented use: 1453.
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PROM-BAT-IVE - they're going to use this on the pinata at the Senior dance !

PRO-BATH-IVE - ...and don't you forget to wash behind your ears, either

POO-BA-TIVE - given to pompous and grandiose statements about yourself