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

But, by law, it had to "demonstrate that we have attempted to work with residents prior to issuing fixed penalty notices".

Read more on BBC

The researchers also demonstrated that their laser can effectively detect hydrogen cyanide gas in the air, a substance commonly referred to as "hydrocyanic acid."

Read more on Science Daily

"The results from this study demonstrate how powerful mRNA medicines truly are and that they are revolutionizing our treatment of cancer," Coller said.

Read more on Science Daily

However, he added, "if the Justice Department is able to prove the facts alleged and demonstrate the information is properly classified, his conduct may very well have violated the law".

Read more on BBC

The German military recently demonstrated the system’s capacity during a military exercise in Hamburg.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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