prove
used by nerds (especially in TED talks) in place of "be", particularly when it precedes an adjective, to make themselves sound smarter.
Example:
These illustrations might be helpful in visualizing the subatomic particles. = Meh...
These illustrations might prove helpful in visualizing the subatomic particles. = This guy knows exactly what he's talking about.
These illustrations might be helpful in visualizing the subatomic particles. = Meh...
These illustrations might prove helpful in visualizing the subatomic particles. = This guy knows exactly what he's talking about.