show
shoh
Show (verb) means to let someone see something. Example: “Can you show me how this works?”
verb
1
To let someone see something.
"Can you show me how this works?"
"She showed him the photos from her trip."
"He showed the border guard his passport and walked through quickly."
2
To prove or demonstrate that something is true.
"The results show a clear improvement."
"Studies like this show that regular sleep helps children concentrate at school."
"Her calm answer showed that she had prepared carefully for the interview."
noun
1
A broadcast, theatrical, or live entertainment programme.
"We watched a great show at the theatre last night."
"The band put on an amazing show."
"My favourite radio show starts at breakfast and always makes me laugh."
2
An outward appearance, especially one meant to create a particular impression.
"His confidence was mostly just for show."
"She made a show of being cheerful, but she was really worried."
"The fancy gate was all show; the garden behind it was neglected."
How to use show
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo let something be seen or proven, or (as a noun) an entertainment programme or a false appearance.
Common pairings
show off
show up
talk show
for show
show interest
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Word forms
- Plural
- shows
- Third person singular
- shows
- Past tense
- showed, shew, shown
- Archaic forms
- showedst, showest, showeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Can you _____ me how this works?
Etymology
From Old English scēawian ("to look at, display"), related to modern "sheen" and distantly to Latin words behind "caution" and "caveat".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for show
See all rhymes for show →Frequently asked questions
What does “show” mean?
The word “show” means to let someone see something. In plain terms, to let something be seen or proven, or (as a noun) an entertainment programme or a false appearance.
How do you pronounce “show”?
“Show” is pronounced shoh (/ʃoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “show” in a sentence?
Here is “show” used in a sentence: “Can you show me how this works?”
What is another word for “show”?
Words with a similar meaning to “show” include big leagues.
What is the opposite of “show”?
The opposite of “show” — its antonyms — are conceal, cover up, hide, refute and disprove.
What part of speech is “show”?
Depending on how it is used, “show” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “show” come from?
The word “show” comes from Latin. From Old English scēawian ("to look at, display"), related to modern "sheen" and distantly to Latin words behind "caution" and "caveat".
Is “show” a common word?
“Show” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the past tense of 'show', 'showed' or 'shown'?
The simple past tense is "showed," as in "she showed me the photo." The past participle is "shown," used with "have" or "was," as in "I have shown him" or "it was shown on screen." Although "showed" occasionally appears as a participle, "shown" is the standard, preferred form in careful writing.
What is the opposite of 'show'?
The main opposites are "hide" and "conceal," meaning to keep something out of sight. Depending on the sense, "cover," "disguise," or "withhold" also work. When "show" means to demonstrate or reveal information, its opposite can be "hide" or "obscure," anything that stops someone from seeing or understanding.
What is the difference between 'show' and 'demonstrate'?
"Show" simply lets someone see something. "Demonstrate" goes further: it means to show clearly how something works or to prove a point, often through action or evidence. You show a friend your new coat, but you demonstrate how a machine operates. Demonstrate carries a sense of explaining or proving, not just displaying.
What are the different meanings of 'show'?
As a verb, "show" can mean to let someone see ("show me"), to prove or reveal ("the data shows"), to guide ("show them in"), or to teach ("show me how"). As a noun, a "show" is a performance or exhibition. The common thread is making something visible or known.
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