Demonstrating

ˈdɛmənˌstreɪtɪŋ

verbIntermediateVery CommonLegal

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To clearly show or explain something, often with evidence or by example.

ˈdɛmənˌstreɪtɪŋ

verbneutralIntermediate
Legal

To show or prove the existence or truth of something.

The teacher is demonstrating how to solve the math problem.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're explaining how to make a cake. When you show someone how to mix the ingredients and bake it, you're demonstrating! It's like showing how something works.

👶 For kids: Showing someone how to do something, like showing a friend how to draw a picture.

More Examples

2

The athlete is demonstrating their skills during the competition.

3

The company is demonstrating their new product at the trade show.

How It's Used

Science

"Scientists are demonstrating the effects of the new drug."

Politics

"The protesters were demonstrating against the government's policies."

2

To participate in a public gathering to show support for or against something.

ˈdɛmənˌstreɪtɪŋ

verbneutralIntermediate
General

To participate in a public protest or rally.

The students were demonstrating peacefully in front of the government building.

💡 Simply: Imagine a big group of people holding signs and shouting to show they agree or disagree with something. They're demonstrating! It's like a public show of support.

👶 For kids: Going somewhere with other people to show you like or don't like something, like a parade with signs.

More Examples

2

Thousands of people were demonstrating against the new law.

3

They are demonstrating their support for the environment.

How It's Used

Politics

"The activists were demonstrating against climate change."

Social Issues

"People are demonstrating for equality."

Tip:Think of protesters marching and carrying signs – they're demonstrating their views.

Idioms & expressions

demonstrate against

To protest or demonstrate in opposition to something.

"People will be demonstrating against the new law."

demonstrate for

To protest or show support for a specific thing.

"People demonstrated for their rights."

From Latin *demonstrare* meaning 'to point out, show, prove,' derived from *de-* (thoroughly) + *monstrare* (to show).

The word 'demonstrate' and its forms have been used in scientific and legal contexts since the 17th century to refer to showing or proving something conclusively.

Memory tip

Think of a magician demonstrating a trick - they're showing you how it works!

demonstratingedemonstrateingdemonstratingg

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written