demonstrate

To show clearly that something is true, exists, or can be done.

• These results demonstrate clear progress.
• He demonstrated his ability to solve difficult problems.
• The study demonstrates that sleep helps learning.

How to use it: demonstrate that… (The test demonstrates that the material is safe.); demonstrate something to someone (She demonstrated her ability to the judges.)

Similar words: show, prove, establish

Common phrases: demonstrate an ability, demonstrate commitment, demonstrate a need

To show someone how to do something or how something works.

• She demonstrated the new camera.
• Can you demonstrate how to use this machine?
• The chef demonstrated three ways to cut an onion.

How to use it: demonstrate how to do something (The instructor demonstrated how to tie the rope.); demonstrate something to someone (The seller demonstrated the camera to us.)

Similar words: show, illustrate

Common phrases: demonstrate a technique, demonstrate how, demonstrate a machine

To join a public gathering to show strong support for or opposition to something.

• Students demonstrated outside the town hall.
• Hundreds of people demonstrated against the cuts.
• They are demonstrating for equal rights.

How to use it: demonstrate against something (Residents demonstrated against the new road.); demonstrate for something (The workers demonstrated for better pay.)

Similar words: protest, march

Common phrases: demonstrate against something, demonstrate for something, demonstrate peacefully