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

It was able to demonstrate the technology using a remote controlled scale model.

From BBC

Second, he is a flagrant partisan who has demonstrated beyond dispute that he would put Trump’s interests over any fair application of the law.

From Los Angeles Times

Hegseth’s loyalty is significant, because Trump has previously demonstrated willingness to extend his decision-making reach into matters traditionally left to Pentagon leaders.

From Los Angeles Times

He suggests business degrees are one area that might need more scrutiny to demonstrate which offer the best outcomes for students.

From BBC

Sixty percent of the club’s members rejected the initiative, but tens of thousands of members voted for it, demonstrating the reach of Tanton’s worldview.

From Salon

Related Words

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