demonstrate

American  

[dem-uhn-streyt] / ˈdɛm ənˌstreɪt /

verb (used with object)

demonstrates, present (3rd person singular) demonstrated, past participle, past demonstrating present participle

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)

demonstrates, present (3rd person singular) demonstrated, past participle, past demonstrating present participle

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 British  

/ 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

Derived Forms

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

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has demonstrated
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have demonstrated
  perfect
• are demonstrating
  progressive
• is demonstrating
  progressive 3rd person singular
• has been demonstrating
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• am demonstrating
  progressive 1st person singular
• demonstrates
  singular 3rd person
• have been demonstrating
  perfect progressive
• demonstrating
  participle

Past

• had demonstrated
  perfect
• was demonstrating
  progressive singular
• were demonstrating
  progressive plural
• had been demonstrating
  perfect progressive
• demonstrated
  participle
• demonstrated
  simple

Future

• will demonstrate
  simple
• will have demonstrated
  perfect
• will be demonstrating
  progressive
• will have been demonstrating
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of demonstrate

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”; see origin at monster ( def. )

Explanation

When you demonstrate something, you show what it is or how it works. To demonstrate how your new juicer works, you should have lots of kale, carrots, and beets on hand — and some brave friends to try your concoction. Demonstrate comes from the Latin word demonstrare, meaning “to point out by argument or deduction.” To demonstrate a point you must make a valid argument and give examples of why you think it's true. Demonstrate can also refer to a public protest. You can demonstrate with your comrades by marching through the streets with homemade protest signs.

Example Sentences

The legislation would ban social media accounts for children under 16 years old, the statement said, adding that there be an exemption "pathway" for companies if they can demonstrate "sufficient safeguards" for children.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

In forthcoming work, two researchers at Google and I demonstrate that amplifying honesty-related circuits during unstructured AI self-talk also causes significantly more experiential reports.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

The State Department says they must demonstrate "your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/ or your ability to pay all costs of the trip".

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Players like Modric demonstrate that football intelligence often can compensate for a decline in physical speed.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

“Come down here and demonstrate what you know.”

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Related Words

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