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

It said a small group of counter-protesters had breached Public Order Act conditions "by demonstrating at the form up point of the Palestine Coalition protest", leading to the altercation.

Read more on BBC

McAllister and his team handed out ice cream and demonstrated a gadget called Poetry Camera, which uses Claude to analyze photos and print a corresponding poem.

Read more on MarketWatch

That is demonstrated by breaking down the number and quality of chances that players have had in the top flight so far.

Read more on BBC

"It also demonstrates our commitment to outstanding public service - celebrating British heritage while ensuring our passports remain among the most secure and trusted in the world for years to come."

Read more on BBC

At her husband’s funeral last month, she demonstrated preternatural poise addressing a stadium-sized crowd, extolling a traditional view of marriage in which he was the family’s spiritual leader while she maintained the home.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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