show

To let someone see something.

• Show me your ticket.
• He showed us his new bicycle.
• Can you show your passport to the officer?

How to use it: show someone something (Show me your drawing.); show something to someone (She showed the photo to her friend.)

Similar words: display

Opposites: hide

Common phrases: show someone something, show a picture

To make something visible or express a quality or feeling through your actions.

• Please show me your drawing.
• She showed great courage during the rescue.
• He shows little interest in football.

How to use it: show someone something (She showed us her collection.); show something to someone (He showed his drawings to the class.)

Similar words: display, exhibit, express

Opposites: hide

Common phrases: show respect, show someone something, show great courage

To give information that helps people know or understand something.

• The test shows a problem.
• Records showed that the payment was late.
• This chart shows how prices have changed.

How to use it: show that… (The figures show that sales are rising.); show how/why… (The report shows why the plan failed.)

Similar words: indicate, demonstrate, reveal

Common phrases: show that, show a difference

An event or program where people watch performances or look at things on display.

• We watched a funny show.
• Her paintings are in an art show.
• What time does your favorite show start?

Similar words: performance, program, exhibition

Common phrases: tv show, art show, comedy show

A performance that people watch for entertainment, such as a play or dance.

• The show starts at eight.
• We bought tickets for two shows.
• Did you enjoy the show last night?

Similar words: performance, spectacle

Common phrases: dance show, live show

An event where people display farm animals, crops, and farming equipment.

• We took our sheep to the show.
• Farmers displayed their best cattle at the show.
• The county show attracts visitors every summer.

Similar words: agricultural exhibition

Common phrases: agricultural show, cattle show