What does "demonstrate" mean?

1. (to prove or show clearly) to show that something is true by giving proof or evidence. 2. (to show how to use) to show someone how to do something or how a machine works. 3. (to protest) to join a large group of people in public to show you disagree with something.

How do you use "demonstrate"?

Often takes a 'that' clause or a direct object. Commonly used with 'how to'. Often used with the preposition 'against'.

demonstrate

US //ˈdɛmənˌstɹeɪt// UK //dˈɛmənstɹˌeɪt// demon·strate

1 to prove or show clearly (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to show that something is true by giving proof or evidence.

to establish the validity of a proposition or theory through evidence or logical reasoning.

Example

The latest research results demonstrate that the new medicine is safe for children.

Example

The study fails to demonstrate a significant correlation between the two variables, suggesting that further longitudinal research is required.

Usage

Often takes a 'that' clause or a direct object.
- disprove
- refute
2 to show how to use (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to show someone how to do something or how a machine works.

to explain or illustrate by experiment, example, or practical application.

Example

The chef will demonstrate how to make the perfect pasta dough.

Example

The technician spent the afternoon demonstrating the new software's capabilities to the administrative staff to ensure a smooth transition.

Usage

Commonly used with 'how to'.

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3 to protest (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to join a large group of people in public to show you disagree with something.

to participate in a public meeting or march to express political views or protest against a specific issue.

Example

Thousands of students gathered in the city centre to demonstrate against the new law.

Example

Citizens have the constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully, provided they do not obstruct the flow of essential traffic.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'against'.

Origin

Borrowed from Latin dēmonstrātus, the perfect passive participle of dēmonstrō (“to show, point at”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Cognate with French démontrer.

Word family

Verbdemonstrate
Noundemonstrator