demonstrate

[dem-uhn-streyt]

verb (used with object)

demonstrated, demonstrating 

1. to make evident or establish by arguments or reasoning; prove.

   to demonstrate a philosophical principle.

   Synonyms: corroborate, verify, confirm, show

2. to describe, explain, or illustrate by examples, specimens, experiments, or the like.

   to demonstrate the force of gravity by dropping an object.

3. to manifest or exhibit; show.

   He demonstrated his courage by his actions in battle.

4. to display openly or publicly, as feelings.

   to demonstrate one's anger by slamming a door.

5. to exhibit the operation or use of (a device, process, product, or the like), usually to a purchaser or prospect.

   to demonstrate an automobile.

verb (used without object)

demonstrated, demonstrating 

1. to make, give, or take part in, a demonstration.

   The pickets required a license to demonstrate.

2. Military.,  to attack or make a show of force to deceive an enemy.

demonstrate

/ ˈdɛmənˌstreɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to show, manifest, or prove, esp by reasoning, evidence, etc

   it is easy to demonstrate the truth of this proposition

2. (tr) to evince; reveal the existence of

   the scheme later demonstrated a fatal flaw

3. (tr) to explain or illustrate by experiment, example, etc

4. (tr) to display, operate, and explain the workings of (a machine, product, etc)

5. (intr) to manifest support, protest, etc, by public parades or rallies

6. (intr) to be employed as a demonstrator of machinery, etc

7. (intr) military to make a show of force, esp in order to deceive one's enemy

Other Word Forms

• demonstratedly adverb
• counterdemonstrate verb (used without object)
• predemonstrate verb (used with object)
• redemonstrate verb
• subdemonstrate verb (used with object)
• undemonstrated adjective
• well-demonstrated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of demonstrate¹

First recorded in 1545–55; from Latin dēmonstrātus, past participle of dēmonstrāre “to show, point out,” equivalent to dē- de- + monstrāre “to show,” verbal derivative of monstrum “sign, portent”; monster ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of demonstrate¹

C16: from Latin dēmonstrāre to point out, from monstrāre to show

Example Sentences

"With the clock ticking towards the World Cup, now is the time for the German to demonstrate the shape, strategy and identity he wants his England team to have."

From BBC

For viewers at home, it was proof that the skills she demonstrated weren’t locked behind a restaurant door; they were achievable in your own kitchen.

From Salon

The police checkpoints established by Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department under federal supervision, Wiley added, demonstrate the racial motivations behind the entire crackdown.

From Salon

He pulled out a hammer to demonstrate he knows what he’s doing.

From Los Angeles Times

Thousands of soldiers paraded equipment on Wednesday, demonstrating China's military modernisation programme.

From BBC

Related Words

• determine 
• establish 
• exhibit 
• expose 
• indicate 
• manifest 
• prove 
• test 
• testify to www.thesaurus.com
• try 
• validate