Main Entry: ¹show

Pronunciation: \ˈshō\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): showed \ˈshōd\; shown \ˈshōn\ or showed; show·ing

Etymology: Middle English shewen, showen, from Old English scēawian to look, look at, see; akin to Old High German scouwōn to look, look at, and probably to Latin cavēre to be on one's guard

Date: 12th century

transitive verb 1 : to cause or permit to be seen : exhibit <showed pictures of the baby>
2 : to offer for sale <stores were showing new spring suits>
3 : to present as a public spectacle : perform
4 : to reveal by one's condition, nature, or behavior <showed themselves to be cowards>
5 : to give indication or record of <an anemometer shows wind speed>
6 a : to point out : direct attention to <showed the view from the terrace> b : conduct, usher <showed me to an aisle seat>
7 : accord, bestow <shows them no mercy>
8 a : to set forth : declare b : allege, plead —used especially in law <show cause>
9 a : to demonstrate or establish by argument or reasoning <show a plan to be faulty> b : inform, instruct <showed me how to solve the problem>
10 : to present (an animal) for judging in a showintransitive verb 1 a : to be or come in view <3:15 showed on the clock> b : to put in an appearance <failed to show>
2 a : to appear in a particular way <anger showed in their faces> b : seem, appear
3 a : to give a theatrical performance b : to be staged or presented
4 a : to appear as a contestant b : to present an animal in a show
5 : to finish third or at least third (as in a horse race)
6 : to exhibit one's artistic work

— show·able \ˈshō-ə-bəl\ adjective

— show one's hand also show one's cards 1 : to display one's cards faceup
2 : to declare one's intentions or reveal one's resources

— show one the door : to tell someone to get out; also : fire 2b

synonyms show, exhibit, display, expose, parade, flaunt mean to present so as to invite notice or attention. show implies no more than enabling another to see or examine <showed her snapshots to the whole group>. exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly <exhibit paintings at a gallery>. display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage <display sale items>. expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying <sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers>. parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying <parading their piety for all to see>. flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading <nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth>.

synonyms 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>.