demonstrate

American  

[dem-uhn-streyt] / ˈdɛm ənˌstreɪt /

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.

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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 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

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Other Word Forms

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

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

But it’s unclear whether there are investors willing to put up capital for a golf league that has yet to demonstrate a profitable business model, or how many golfers would stick around through the uncertainty.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Everyday Americans sacrificed their lives, were fearless in their resolve to demonstrate the need for greater protections for Black people to actually be able to go into a ballot booth safely and securely.

From Slate • Apr. 30, 2026

Putin revived the old Soviet practice of parading heavy military hardware in Red Square in 2008 to demonstrate Russia's "growing defence capability".

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

In this study, he added, "they allowed us to demonstrate how stellar migration shapes the age profile of the disc and to identify where the star-forming region ends."

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2026

It also allowed me to demonstrate my natural curiosity.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

Related Words

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