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

Ford had stunt drivers who would go around the country and demonstrate the different capabilities of the cars, according to Ryan. —Carole Horst, Variety, 20 Apr. 2024

These success stories provide hope to those contemplating hair transplant by demonstrating that getting a thicker head of hair is a genuine, attainable goal rather than merely a pipe dream. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024

These characteristics demonstrate impressive intelligence and adaptability, allowing orcas to thrive in a wide range of marine environments. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 19 Apr. 2024

Few albums demonstrate the stark contrasts in music appreciation as well as Nas’ 1994 genre-defining Illmatic, widely recognized as one of the most important albums ever made. —C. Brandon Ogbunu, WIRED, 19 Apr. 2024

China is still Apple’s largest manufacturing hub, but the COVID pandemic demonstrated to the iPhone maker the risk of having everything in one place. —Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 19 Apr. 2024

The young actress, who previously demonstrated her virtuosity in the film version of Matilda the Musical, is so frightening and sardonically funny as the pint-sized bloodsucker that Bela Lugosi must be turning over in his grave from jealousy. —Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Apr. 2024

Even then, former officials said evidence had emerged from the scientific community demonstrating its detrimental effects on the human body and suggesting public health would be improved by a lower level. —Silvia Foster-Frau, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024

In court, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald used the murder weapon to demonstrate how to use a cable lock to keep the gun from being fired. —Quinn Klinefelter, NPR, 9 Apr. 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

1548, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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