Definition

Verb 1. To establish the validity of something, as by an example, explanation, or experiment: To prove, demonstrate, or make something clear through evidence or logical argument. * The mathematician shewed the validity of the complex theorem. * His careful research shewed the historical inaccuracy of the claim.

Usage Notes

• "Shew" is an archaic spelling of the modern verb "show", particularly in the sense of proving or demonstrating. It is rarely used in contemporary English outside of historical, legal, or very formal/archaic contexts. In modern writing and speech, "show" is the standard and expected form.
• The past tense is "shewed" and the past participle is "shewn", analogous to "showed" and "shown" for the modern "show".

Examples

• The prosecutor aimed to shew the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• The experiment shewed the instability of the chemical compound.
• The data shewn in the report supports our initial hypothesis.

Advanced Usage

• "To shew cause" (Legal Phrase): To provide reasons or evidence for an action, often in a court setting.
  • The defendant was ordered to shew cause why the injunction should not be granted.

Variants and Related Words

• Show (v): The modern standard spelling and form for all meanings, including "to demonstrate or prove".
  • The evidence shows he is innocent.
• Demonstrate (v): To show clearly by giving proof or evidence.
• Prove (v): To demonstrate the truth or existence of something with evidence.
• Establish (v): To show something to be true or valid beyond doubt.

Synonyms

• Demonstrate
• Prove
• Establish
• Evidence
• Manifest
• Attest to

Antonyms

• Disprove
• Refute
• Discredit
• Conceal
• Hide

Related Phrases (Archaic/Historical)

• Shewbread (n): In biblical contexts, the twelve loaves of bread placed every Sabbath on a table in the sanctuary as an offering. (This is a fixed compound term.)
• Sheweth (v): An archaic third-person singular present tense form, meaning "shows" or "demonstrates", commonly found in older texts like the King James Bible or legal documents.
  • The scripture sheweth the path of righteousness.

Verb

1. 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