demonstrate
/ˈdem.ən.streɪt/- 1.
To show something clearly using evidence, examples, or actions. You demonstrate something when you want others to understand it without doubt.
- The data demonstrates a clear link between sleep and memory.
- She demonstrated excellent leadership during the crisis.
- His results demonstrate that the method actually works.
- 2.
To show how something works by doing it in front of other people. This sense is common in teaching, training, and practical settings.
- The chef demonstrated how to fold the dough correctly.
- He demonstrated the new software to the whole team.
- 3.
To march or gather in public as a group to express a strong opinion, often against a government policy or social issue.
- Thousands demonstrated outside the parliament building.
- Students demonstrated against the new fee increase.
Adinary Nuance
Demonstrate sits in a group with show, prove, and illustrate — but each word has a different weight. Show is casual and everyday ("Let me show you"); demonstrate is more deliberate and formal, suggesting you are presenting evidence or performing a step-by-step action with a purpose. Prove goes further: it implies reaching a definite, irrefutable conclusion, while demonstrate only needs to make something clearly visible or credible. Illustrate typically uses examples or visuals to clarify a point, whereas demonstrate often involves a live action or concrete evidence. In IELTS writing and academic essays, choosing demonstrate over show immediately signals a more formal, sophisticated register.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Chứng minh / Thể hiện
- Spanish
- Demostrar
- Chinese
- 证明 / 展示
- Japanese
- 実証する
- Korean
- 증명하다
Etymology
From Latin "demonstrare," meaning "to point out or show fully," combining "de-" (completely) and "monstrare" (to show). The word entered English in the 16th century through scholarly and scientific writing.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'demonstrate' more formal than 'show'?
- Yes. 'Demonstrate' is noticeably more formal and is strongly preferred in academic writing, IELTS essays, and professional contexts. 'Show' works fine in everyday speech, but 'demonstrate' signals greater precision and evidence.
- Can I use 'demonstrate' and 'prove' interchangeably?
- Not exactly. 'Prove' implies something is now certain and cannot be doubted. 'Demonstrate' just means you have made something clearly visible or credible. In academic writing, 'demonstrate' is often the safer and more accurate choice.
- How do I use 'demonstrate' correctly in an IELTS essay?
- Use it to introduce evidence or examples: 'The graph demonstrates a steady rise in…' or 'This study demonstrates that…'. It pairs well with data, statistics, and research findings.
- Does 'demonstrate' always mean showing evidence? Can it mean protest?
- Yes, it has two main uses. In academic and everyday contexts it means showing something clearly. In news and political language, it means taking part in a public protest or march. The context will always make the meaning clear.