demonstrate

verb

dem·​on·​strate ˈde-mən-ˌstrāt How to pronounce demonstrate (audio)
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
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 The recent earnings season also demonstrated the economy’s strength. Krystal Hur, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 But the lapses demonstrate something has gone wrong, and should still be taken seriously by safety experts, Shahidi says. Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 15 Mar. 2024 As the post demonstrated, this new model, if prompted correctly, could play a surprisingly decent game of chess, achieving something like an Elo rating of 1000—better than roughly fifty per cent of ranked players. Cal Newport, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024 Yet even here the voters will put up with only so much social progressivism, as last weekend’s vote decisively rejecting two referenda demonstrated. Henry Olsen, National Review, 15 Mar. 2024 But Adcock and the folks at Figure have taken a big lead, as the video from Wednesday clearly demonstrates. Matt Novak / Gizmodo, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 Now Screen Ireland continues to demonstrate its faith, with a 2024 budget of $42 million, another record. Becky Lucas, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2024 However, the new version will still put the onus on the platforms to demonstrate that their workers aren’t employees. David Meyer, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024 Per a press release, the 30-minute special will demonstrate how viewers can embrace imperfection in the kitchen — just as Andrés often does. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demonstrate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

1548, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demonstrate was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near demonstrate

Cite this Entry

“Demonstrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demonstrate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

demonstrate

verb
dem·​on·​strate ˈdem-ən-ˌstrāt How to pronounce demonstrate (audio)
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 How to pronounce demonstrate (audio)
demonstrated; demonstrating

transitive verb

1
: to show clearly
demonstrated the artery arteriographically
2
: to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence

More from Merriam-Webster on demonstrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!