demonstrate
Definitions
To show clearly how something works or how to do it
演示，示范（说明如何运作或操作）
To prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence
证明，表明（用论证或证据使清楚）
To take part in a public protest
示威，游行抗议
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedde- here means 'fully, completely' + monstr (show) + -ate (verb) = 'to show fully.' That single idea fans out into three senses: show how something works (demonstrate a product), show that something is true (demonstrate a theorem), and show your feelings in public (demonstrate against a policy). Whatever the context, you are making something visible to others.
Root monstr still carries 8 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.demonstrate how演示如何……
- 2.demonstrate that证明……
- 3.clearly demonstrate清楚地表明
- 4.demonstrate against示威反对
- 5.demonstrate a commitment表现出一种承诺
Example Sentences
- 1.
Let me demonstrate how the new coffee machine works.
- 2.
The experiment clearly demonstrates that heat makes metal expand.
- 3.
Thousands gathered to demonstrate against the new tax law.
- 4.
Her quick response demonstrated real leadership under pressure.
Easily Confused
demonstrate vs show — 'show' is the everyday word for putting something in view; 'demonstrate' adds the sense of doing it deliberately and fully, to teach or to prove. You show someone a photo, but you demonstrate how a tool works. demonstrate vs prove — 'prove' settles a question for certain; 'demonstrate' makes something clearly visible or evident, which is often (but not always) as strong as proof.