demonstrate

[ dem-uhn-streyt ]

verb (used with object)

, dem·on·strat·ed, dem·on·strat·ing.

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)

, dem·on·strat·ed, dem·on·strat·ing.

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 Words From

• demon·strated·ly adverb
• counter·demon·strate verb (used without object) counterdemonstrated counterdemonstrating
• pre·demon·strate verb (used with object) predemonstrated predemonstrating
• re·demon·strate verb redemonstrated redemonstrating
• sub·demon·strate verb (used with object) subdemonstrated subdemonstrating
• un·demon·strated adjective
• well-demon·strated 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

They both point to the film’s opening moments, in which prospective moles attempt to demonstrate their proficiency with technology — taking photos with a cellphone, accessing the internet with WiFi — as an example of the spirit they are trying to lean into.

From Los Angeles Times

"We remain committed to a principle of a national care service and are considering all options around how we demonstrate that."

From BBC

One of the venues that did demonstrate how the scheme should operate was Hootananny in Brixton, south London.

From BBC

The smartest thing that short-listers can do right now is demonstrate that they’ll abandon any views that don’t align with Trump’s agenda, proving their lockstep compliance with the boss.

From Slate

On X, he said that he wanted to protest what he described as "the genocide in Gaza", adding: "We will not let our right to demonstrate be taken away."

From BBC

Related Words

• determine
• establish
• exhibit
• expose
• indicate
• manifest
• prove
• test
• testify to
• try
• validate