Definition

1. Verb:
   • To show clearly and deliberately; to prove or make evident by reasoning or evidence: "demonstrate" means to make something clear or prove it by providing evidence, examples, or logical argument.
   • To describe, explain, or illustrate by experiment, practical use, or action: "demonstrate" involves showing how something works or is done through a practical exhibition or performance.
   • To take part in a public protest or rally: "demonstrate" can mean to participate in a public march or gathering to express strong opinion, typically about a political or social issue.

Usage Examples

• Verb (to show/prove):
  • The scientist will demonstrate the chemical reaction.
  • These figures demonstrate a significant increase in sales.
• Verb (to explain by showing):
  • Can you demonstrate how to use this software?
  • The chef demonstrated the technique for making pasta.
• Verb (to protest publicly):
  • Citizens gathered to demonstrate against the new law.
  • Workers demonstrated for better pay and conditions.

Advanced Usage

• "to demonstrate against/for something": to protest publicly in opposition to or in support of a cause.
  • Thousands demonstrated against the proposed construction.
  • Activists demonstrated for climate action.
• "to demonstrate that...": used to introduce a clause showing proof or evidence.
  • The study demonstrates that regular exercise improves mental health.

Variants and Related Words

• Demonstration (n): 1. An act of showing how something works or is done. 2. A public meeting or march expressing protest or support.
  • She gave a demonstration of the new phone's features.
  • The demonstration in the city center was peaceful.
• Demonstrable (adj): Able to be shown or proven.
  • There is a demonstrable link between the two events.
• Demonstrator (n): 1. A person who takes part in a public protest. 2. A person who shows how a product works.
  • The demonstrators marched to the parliament.
  • A product demonstrator was at the store.

Synonyms

• Show: to cause or allow to be seen.
• Prove: to establish the truth or validity of by evidence or argument.
• Illustrate: to explain or make clear by using examples, charts, or pictures.
• Protest: to express an objection to what someone has said or done.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Demonstrate against: To protest publicly in opposition to something.
  • The union members demonstrated against the layoffs.
• Demonstrate for: To protest publicly in support of something.
  • Students demonstrated for more funding for education.

Related Idioms

• A demonstration of force: A show of military power intended to warn or intimidate.
  • The naval exercises were seen as a demonstration of force.
• To demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt: (Legal) To prove something so clearly that no logical person could question it.
  • The prosecution must demonstrate the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Verb

1. march in protest; take part in a demonstration
   • Thousands demonstrated against globalization during the meeting of the most powerful economic nations in Seattle
2. provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
   • His high fever attested to his illness
   • The buildings in Rome manifest a high level of architectural sophistication
   • This decision demonstrates his sense of fairness
3. establish the validity of something, as by an example, explanation or experiment
   • The experiment demonstrated the instability of the compound
   • The mathematician showed the validity of the conjecture
4. give an exhibition of to an interested audience
   • She shows her dogs frequently
   • We will demo the new software in Washington