Demonstrate
/ˈdɛmənstreɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo show or explain how something is done or how something works, or to prove something.
/ˈdɛmənstreɪt/
To clearly show or explain something.
The teacher demonstrated how to use the new software.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a cool new toy. To demonstrate it is to show everyone how it works and how awesome it is! You're showing off!
👶 For kids: To show how something works.
More Examples
The company will demonstrate its new product at the conference.
He demonstrated his skill in the competition.
How It's Used
"The scientist demonstrated the experiment to the class."
"The teacher demonstrated how to solve the math problem."
To participate in a public demonstration or protest, especially to express an opinion or show support for a cause.
/ˈdɛmənstreɪt/
To participate in a public protest.
Citizens demonstrated against the new tax law.
💡 Simply: When people want to show the government or the world that they feel strongly about something, they might demonstrate, like holding signs and marching in the streets!
👶 For kids: To go to a protest to show what you believe in.
More Examples
They are planning to demonstrate outside the embassy.
A large group of people demonstrated peacefully in the city center.
How It's Used
"Thousands demonstrated against the government's new policies."
"The activists demonstrated for environmental protection."
Idioms & expressions
demonstrate against
To protest or demonstrate in opposition to something.
"People will be demonstrating against the new law."
demonstrate a point
To clearly explain and illustrate an idea or concept.
"The speaker demonstrated his point with a compelling graph."
From Latin *dēmonstrāre* ('to show, point out'), from *dē* ('thoroughly') + *monstrāre* ('to show, point out').
The word 'demonstrate' has been used since the 16th century to mean 'to prove' or 'to show'. Its usage has expanded to include public protests in the modern era.
Memory tip
Think of 'demon' as 'show' because 'demon' strate what you mean.