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

These findings emphasize the importance of ancient DNA in reconstructing human history, demonstrating how traits that once conferred a survival advantage in early Europeans were rendered invisible in the genetic landscape of today.

From Science Daily

Although not without limitations, the study's findings demonstrate the potential of 3D pose estimation to provide objective and reliable data on cow behavior.

From Science Daily

Building on previous work, researchers in ACS Infectious Diseases have demonstrated a potential antibacterial treatment from a modified darobactin, a compound originally from a bacterium.

From Science Daily

In order to close this gap and demonstrate the reliability of the ANE method for visualising magnetic structures on the nanometre scale, the researchers used a magnetic vortex structure.

From Science Daily

In a new study published in Nature Chemical Engineering, the team demonstrated a way to upgrade 6PPD -- a molecule that provides UV protection to help the rubber found in tires last longer -- into safe chemicals.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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