Reading Theme:
Demonstrate: Meaning, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：show clearly (demonstrate)
demonstrate
/ˈdemənstreɪt/
v.
To show something clearly and logically, using evidence or examples to prove a point.
show clearly
➕
/ʃoʊ ˈklɪrli/
v.
To reveal or make something evident by presenting clear evidence, logical reasoning, or conclusive examples, often to prove a point or truth.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'demonstrare' (to point out, show). De- (fully) + monstrare (to show).
💡 Mnemonic
Think: A 'demon' in a lab coat (demon-str-ate) clearly shows you data on a graph.
📖 Example
The recent data on climate change demonstrates the urgent need for global action.
The information proves clearly and with evidence that worldwide measures are urgently required.
🔗 Collocations
demonstrate the effectiveness – show clearly how well something works
demonstrate a correlation – show a clear connection between two things
demonstrate beyond doubt – prove something so clearly that no uncertainty remains
🔄 Synonyms
prove (v.) – To establish the truth or validity of something with evidence.
show (v.) – To cause or allow to be seen; to indicate.
illustrate (v.) – To explain or make something clear by using examples, charts, or pictures.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
demonstration (n.) – The act of showing something clearly; a public meeting or march expressing protest.
demonstrable (adj.) – Able to be shown or proved.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'demonstrare', meaning 'to point out' or 'show'. Entered English in the mid-16th century, initially for logical or mathematical proof. Its use expanded to public displays of evidence, now a core verb in academic, scientific, and business presentations.
Meaning 2：show how (demonstrate)
demonstrate
/ˈdemənstreɪt/
v.
To show and explain how to do something or how something works by doing it yourself.
show how
➕
/ʃoʊ haʊ/
v.
To explain how something works or how to perform a task by performing the actions yourself as an example for others to follow.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Could you demonstrate how to use this new coffee machine? I'm a bit confused by all the buttons.
Please perform the steps yourself to show me the correct way to operate it.
🔗 Collocations
demonstrate the steps – show the sequence of actions required
demonstrate the technique – perform a skill to show the proper method
demonstrate how to use – show the operation of a device or tool
🔄 Synonyms
show (v.) – To perform an action so others can see how it is done.
illustrate (v.) – To make something clear by giving a practical example.
exhibit (v.) – To show a skill or quality publicly.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
demonstrator (n.) – A person who shows how something works or how to do something.
Wordbook
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