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

Protesters demonstrated outside the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood as well as Disney’s Burbank headquarters.

From Los Angeles Times

They were able to demonstrate a steady reduction in net migration before polling day and made the political case for continuing to bring in skilled labour - defeating an opponent who called for bigger reductions.

From BBC

Sacramento Democrats are prioritizing affordability and practical results over ideological purity, as demonstrated by their reform of the California Environmental Quality Act despite opposition from environmental activists, ultimately helping to reduce housing and energy costs.

From Los Angeles Times

According to FDA, testing as of Aug. 19 “has not confirmed the presence of contamination of any product in commerce,” demonstrating that the food safety inspection is working as intended, Bratager said.

From Los Angeles Times

Binding a "chronically dependent" partner, he argues, gives Riyadh both manpower and nuclear "insurance", while demonstrating to India, Washington and others that it will chart its own path.

From BBC

Related Words

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