demonstrate

verb

DEM-uhn-strayt/ˈdɛmənstɹeɪt/

Formsdemonstrates, demonstrating, demonstrated

4 meanings of demonstrate

1
verbtransitive
To show something clearly so other people can see or understand it.
Like holding up a drawing so the whole class can see it.
Please demonstrate your point so everyone understands.
She demonstrated her skills during the interview.
Similarshow, prove, reveal, display, indicate
Oppositedisprove, conceal, hide
Note
2
verbtransitive
To show someone how to use or do something.
Like showing a friend which buttons to press on a game controller.
The salesman demonstrated the new blender to the customers.
Can you demonstrate this app for me?
Similarshow, explain, present
Note
3
verbintransitive
To join a public protest, or to help set one up.
Like marching with a sign to show what you believe in.
Thousands gathered downtown to demonstrate against the new law.
Students demonstrated peacefully outside the city hall.
Similarprotest, march, rally, picket
Note
4
verbtransitive
To show the steps that prove an idea or math problem is true.
Like showing your work in math class so the teacher sees how you got the answer.
The student demonstrated each step of the proof on the board.
Can you demonstrate why the answer must be twelve?
Similarprove, establish, show, derive
Oppositedisprove, refute

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Latin dēmonstrō, meaning "to show" or "point at."