demonstrate

verb

dem·​on·​strate ˈde-mən-ˌstrāt 

demonstrated; demonstrating

transitive verb

1

: to show clearly

demonstrate a willingness to cooperate

must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in order to pass the class

The police demonstrated calm restraint during the riot.

2

a

: to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence

crowded classrooms that demonstrate the need for more schools in the area

b

: to illustrate and explain especially with many examples

demonstrate a procedure

3

: to show or prove the value or efficiency of to a prospective buyer

demonstrate a new kitchen gadget

intransitive verb

: to make a demonstration

Allow me to demonstrate.

crowds demonstrating for the right to vote

Synonyms

• prove
• establish
• show

Choose the Right Synonym for demonstrate

show, manifest, evidence, evince, demonstrate mean to reveal outwardly or make apparent.

show is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words.

careful not to show his true feelings

manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation.

manifested musical ability at an early age

evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something.

a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service

evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs.

evinced not the slightest fear

demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling.

demonstrated their approval by loud applause

Examples of demonstrate in a Sentence

Each student must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in order to pass the class.

Employees must demonstrate competence in certain skills before they can work independently.

The medication will not be marketed until it is demonstrated to be safe.

The latest test results clearly demonstrate that the vaccine works.

The group's failed efforts demonstrate how difficult it is to convince people to change their habits.

They have demonstrated a willingness to negotiate.

Several people will be demonstrating traditional farming techniques.

The instructor demonstrated the correct procedure for pruning a tree.

Would you mind demonstrating how the machine works?

Recent Examples on the Web

Young people flouted curfews and remained demonstrating near the Parliament building on Tuesday. —Chad De Guzman, Time, 9 Sep. 2025

The product launches demonstrate how Europe’s legacy manufacturers are taking the fight to their Chinese rivals, in a bid to both retain market share in the European Union and offset declining sales in China, the world’s largest car market. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025

Allred has demonstrated the ability to get some crossover voters, but will need to find better traction with independents and Republicans to win statewide, Rottinghaus said in another text message. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025

The system also demonstrated versatility by competing against another humanoid robot, maintaining consistent exchanges across multiple rallies. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin dēmonstrātus, past participle of dēmonstrāre "to draw attention to, indicate, describe, show," from dē- de- + monstrāre "to point out, show" — more at muster entry 2

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 21a

Phrases Containing demonstrate

• counter-demonstrate

Rhymes for demonstrate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

demonstrate

verb

dem·​on·​strate ˈdem-ən-ˌstrāt 

demonstrated; demonstrating

1

: to show clearly

2

a

: to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence

b

: to illustrate and explain especially with examples

3

: to show publicly the good qualities of a product

demonstrate a new car

4

: to make a public display (as of feeling or military force)

citizens demonstrated in protest

Medical Definition

demonstrate

verb

dem·​on·​strate ˈdem-ən-ˌstrāt 

demonstrated; demonstrating

transitive verb

1

: to show clearly

demonstrated the artery arteriographically

2

: to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence

intransitive verb

: to make a demonstration