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demonstrate

 - 3 dictionary results

dem⋅on⋅strate

[dem-uhn-streyt] verb, -strat⋅ed, -strat⋅ing.
–verb (used with object)
1. to make evident or establish by arguments or reasoning; prove: to demonstrate a philosophical principle.
2. to describe, explain, or illustrate by examples, specimens, experiments, or the like: to demonstrate the force of gravity by dropping an object.
3. to manifest or exhibit; show: He demonstrated his courage by his actions in battle.
4. to display openly or publicly, as feelings: to demonstrate one's anger by slamming a door.
5. to exhibit the operation or use of (a device, process, product, or the like), usually to a purchaser or prospect: to demonstrate an automobile.
–verb (used without object)
6. to make, give, or take part in, a demonstration: The pickets required a license to demonstrate.
7. Military. to attack or make a show of force to deceive an enemy.

Origin:
1545–55; < L dēmonstrātus, ptp. of dēmonstrāre to show, point out, equiv. to dē- de- + monstrāre to show, v. deriv. of monstrum sign, portent


dem⋅on⋅strat⋅ed⋅ly, adverb


1. show, confirm, verify, corroborate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To demonstrate
dem·on·strate   (děm'ən-strāt')   
v.   dem·on·strat·ed, dem·on·strat·ing, dem·on·strates

v.   tr.
  1. To show clearly and deliberately; manifest: demonstrated her skill as a gymnast; demonstrate affection by hugging.

  2. To show to be true by reasoning or adducing evidence; prove: demonstrate a proposition.

  3. To present by experiments, examples, or practical application; explain and illustrate: demonstrated the laws of physics with laboratory equipment.

  4. To show the use of (an article) to a prospective buyer: The salesperson plugged in and demonstrated the vacuum cleaner.

v.   intr.
  1. To give a demonstration: described the dance step, then took a partner and demonstrated.

  2. To participate in a public display of opinion: demonstrated against tax hikes.


[Latin dēmōnstrāre, dēmōnstrāt- : dē-, completely; see de- + mōnstrāre, to show (from mōnstrum, divine portent, from monēre, to warn; see men-1 in Indo-European roots).]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: dem·on·strate
Pronunciation: 'dem-&n-"strAt
Function: verb
Inflected Forms: -strat·ed; -strat·ing
transitive senses
1 : to show clearly <demonstrated the artery arteriographically>
2 : to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidencedemonstrate intransitive senses
: to make a demonstration
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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