prove oneself - challenge oneself

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dilodi83

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I'd like to know if these two expressions have the same meaning or if they are normally used in different context.

For example:

1) You think you should prove/challenge yourself, otherwise you'll never be able to demonstrate you are not a shy guy.
 

Raymott

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I'd like to know if these two expressions have the same meaning or if they are normally used in different context.

For example:

1) You think you should prove/challenge yourself, otherwise you'll never be able to demonstrate you are not a shy guy.
You can challenge yourself without proving yourself. 'Prove' isn't the same as 'provare' (try, test), which would probably work in this sentence.
To prove yourself, you have to not only challenge yourself, but be successful as well.
 

dilodi83

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Would you please write some examples? I'd like to understand the difference between them through the use of practical examples... ;-)
 

Raymott

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Would you please write some examples? I'd like to understand the difference between them through the use of practical examples... ;-)
Following your example:
You challenge yourself by asking a girl on a date.
You prove yourself be being accepted.
 

konungursvia

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Basically, I would say we prove ourselves to others on external standards, whereas we challenge ourselves because we have our own standards toward which we hope to excel.
 
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