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

• establish
• prove
• show
• substantiate

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

In the end, the experiment demonstrated vampire bats can convert amino acids into energy in less than 10 minutes and use it to fuel a lengthy endurance run. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024

While most of the top brands don’t demonstrate a correlation between views growth and TikTok Shop momentum, anti-wrinkle silicone patch brand Wrinkles Schminkles is a key exception. —Noor Lobad, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024

This presents an opportunity for the industry, including Psych Hub’s navigation platform, to reinforce best treatment practices by prioritizing practitioners and services that can demonstrate the best outcomes. —Steven Aquino, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

This has been demonstrated in the literature time and time again. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

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

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