demonstrate
To show clearly how something works, or that it is true.
demonstrate in a sentence
- He offered to demonstrate the trick slowly so we could copy it.
- These results demonstrate that the plants grow faster in the sunshine.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is closest in meaning to demonstrate?
- Aconceal
- Bshow
- Chide
Show the answer
B: show. The other three mean the opposite of demonstrate.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to demonstrate?
- Adisplay
- Bhide
- Cprove
- Dshow
Show the answer
B: hide. The other three mean nearly the same as demonstrate.
Words that mean something similar
show, prove, display
Words that mean the opposite
hide, conceal
More words about thinking & learning
- determine: To decide something firmly, or to work it out for certain.
- dilemma: A tricky choice between two things, where neither seems right.
- distinguish: To see or show how two things are different.
- dubious: Not sure whether something is true or can be trusted.
- endeavour: To try very hard to do something.
- engrossed: So interested in something that you notice nothing else.
- enlighten: To explain something so that someone understands it clearly.
- enthral: To hold someone's full attention with delight.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test