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demonstrate

/ˈdɛmənˌstreɪt/
verb★Intermediate💡 show clearly
formal

To show or prove something clearly through actions, examples, or evidence.

The teacher demonstrated the math problem on the board.

The teacher showed how to solve the math problem step by step.

The product demonstration highlighted its key features.

The product showcase clearly presented its main features.

💡

Often used in educational, scientific, or professional contexts to emphasize clarity and proof.

formal

To participate in a public display or protest to express a point of view.

Thousands demonstrated against the new policy in the capital.

Thousands publicly protested the new policy in the capital.

💡

Common in social and political contexts to indicate collective action.

formal

To show that one possesses a particular skill, quality, or ability.

She demonstrated great leadership during the crisis.

She showed clearly that she had strong leadership skills during the crisis.

💡

Often used in performance reviews or evaluations.

Collocations

demonstrate againstto protest publicly against somethingdemonstrate how toto show the method or process of doing somethingproduct demonstrationa showcase of a product's features

Synonyms

showdisplayexhibitproveillustratereveal

Antonyms

hideconcealsuppressobscure

Related Phrases

show and tellphrase
a classroom activity where students bring items to describe
demonstration modelphrase
a working example used to illustrate a concept

💡Pro Tip

Use 'demonstrate' for clear proof or teaching

Use 'demonstrate' when you want to emphasize that something is being shown clearly to prove a point, teach a skill, or illustrate a concept. Avoid using it for vague or unclear presentations.

⚡Gold Rule

Follow 'demonstrate' with evidence or process

Always pair 'demonstrate' with a clear method, example, or proof. For instance, 'demonstrate the theory' is vague, but 'demonstrate the theory with an experiment' is clear.

📖Word Origin

From Latin *demonstrare* (to point out, show), from *de-* (completely) + *monstrare* (to show). First recorded in English in the late 16th century.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in both academic and everyday contexts. Often followed by 'how to' or 'that' to indicate the method or proof being shown.

Word Breakdown

de-
completely
prefix
+
-monstrare
to show
root
English Dictionary

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Words of the Year

The most notable words that defined each year. Discover the vocabulary that shaped our world.