Show vs. Demonstrate — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
"Show" refers to simply presenting or displaying something, while "demonstrate" implies providing evidence or proof through explanation or performance.
Difference Between Show and Demonstrate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Show" generally means to allow something to be visible or to present something to others, focusing on the act of revealing or displaying. This term is often used in contexts where the visual aspect is emphasized, such as showing a picture or a scene. "Demonstrate," on the other hand, carries a deeper implication of explaining or proving a point through action or evidence. It is used in educational and scientific contexts to indicate not just the act of showing, but also the process of making something clear through detailed explanation or practical example.
In a classroom setting, a teacher might show a diagram to help students visualize a concept, which involves just the presentation of the diagram. Conversely, to demonstrate a scientific principle, the teacher might perform an experiment that proves how the principle works, thus incorporating both the action and its explanation. While showing provides a visual or factual basis, demonstrating involves interaction and interpretation to achieve understanding.
In technology, a developer might show a new software feature to stakeholders by displaying it on screen or discussing its features. To demonstrate the software, however, the developer would likely run it in real-time to exhibit its functionality and effectiveness in various scenarios, thereby providing proof of its capabilities.
Art galleries show artworks by placing them on display for public viewing. Art demonstrators, however, might also explain techniques, themes, and historical contexts, enhancing the viewers' understanding and appreciation of the artworks. Thus, demonstration adds an educational layer to the simple act of showing.
While both "show" and "demonstrate" involve presentation, the latter includes an element of explanation or proof that enriches the understanding or persuasiveness of the presentation. "Demonstrate" often aims to teach or convince, adding depth to the basic act of showing.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To make visible or present information
To explain or prove something through evidence
Focus
Presentation
Explanation and evidence
Usage Context
General display, visual presentation
Educational, scientific, practical demonstration
Example in Education
Showing a map in geography class
Demonstrating how volcanic eruptions occur using a model
Engagement Level
Typically passive
Active and involving
Compare with Definitions
Show
To present visually.
He showed the photos from his trip on his phone.
Demonstrate
To show and explain how something works.
The chef demonstrated how to prepare the dish.
Show
To allow something to be seen.
She showed her ticket to the concert staff at the door.
Demonstrate
To make clear by reasoning or evidence.
She demonstrated the solution to the problem on the board.
Show
To exhibit or display.
The museum shows artifacts from ancient Greece.
Demonstrate
To illustrate and explain especially with many examples.
The instructor demonstrated various techniques during the workshop.
Show
To reveal or manifest.
He finally showed his true feelings.
Demonstrate
To provide evidence or proof.
The scientist demonstrated the theory with an experiment.
Show
To guide or direct.
Please show the guests to their seats.
Demonstrate
To participate in a public display of opinion.
They demonstrated for climate action in the city cente
Show
To cause or allow to be seen; display
Showed us his tattoo.
Demonstrate
To show clearly and deliberately; manifest
Demonstrated her skill as a gymnast.
Demonstrate affection by hugging.
Show
To display for sale, in exhibition, or in competition
Showed her most recent paintings.
Demonstrate
To show to be true by reasoning or adducing evidence; prove
Demonstrate a proposition.
Show
To permit access to (a house, for example) when offering for sale or rent.
Demonstrate
To present by experiments, examples, or practical application; explain and illustrate
Demonstrated the laws of physics with laboratory equipment.
Show
To conduct; guide
Showed them to the table.
Demonstrate
To show the use of (an article) to a prospective buyer
The salesperson plugged in and demonstrated the vacuum cleaner.
Show
To direct one's attention to; point out
Showed them the city's historical sites.
Demonstrate
To give a demonstration
Described the dance step, then took a partner and demonstrated.
Show
To make evident or reveal (an emotion or condition, for example)
Showed displeasure at his remark.
A carpet that shows wear.
Demonstrate
To participate in a public display of opinion
Demonstrated against tax hikes.
Show
To reveal (oneself) as in one's behavior or condition
The old boat showed itself to be seaworthy.
Demonstrate
(transitive) to show how to use (something).
Can you demonstrate the new tools for us?
Show
To indicate; register
The altimeter showed that the plane was descending.
Demonstrate
To show the steps taken to create a logical argument or equation.
Show
To demonstrate by reasoning or procedure
Showed that the hypothesis was wrong.
A film that showed how to tune a piano.
Demonstrate
(intransitive) to participate in or organize a demonstration.
Those people outside are demonstrating against the election results.
Show
To demonstrate to by reasoning or procedure; inform or prove to
Showed him how to fix the camera.
Showed her that it could really happen.
Demonstrate
(transitive) to show, display, or present; to prove or make evident
Show
To grant; bestow
Showed no mercy to the traitors.
Demonstrate
To point out; to show; to exhibit; to make evident.
Show
To be or become visible or evident
Concern showed in his face.
Demonstrate
To show, or make evident, by reasoning or proof; to prove by deduction; to establish so as to exclude the possibility of doubt or denial.
We can not demonstrate these things so as to show that the contrary often involves a contradiction.
Show
(Slang) To make an appearance; show up
Didn't show for her appointment.
Demonstrate
To exhibit and explain (a dissection or other anatomical preparation).
Show
To be exhibited publicly
What's showing at the movie theater tonight?.
Demonstrate
Show or demonstrate something to an interested audience;
She shows her dogs frequently
We will demo the new software in Washington
Show
To give a performance or present an exhibition
Which artist is showing in the gallery?.
Demonstrate
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
Show
(Sports) To finish third or better in a horserace or dog race.
Demonstrate
Provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes;
His high fever attested to his illness
The buildings in Rome manifest a high level of architectural sophistication
This decision demonstrates his sense of fairness
Show
A display; a manifestation
Made a show of strength.
Demonstrate
March in protest; take part in a demonstration;
Thousands demonstrated against globalization during the meeting of the most powerful economic nations in Seattle
Show
A trace or indication, as of oil in a well.
Show
A false appearance; a pretense
Only a show of kindness.
Show
A striking appearance or display; a spectacle.
Show
A pompous or ostentatious display.
Show
Display or outward appearance
This antique tea service is just for show. His smile was for show.
Show
A public exhibition or entertainment.
Show
An exposition for the display or demonstration of commercial products
An auto show.
Show
A usually competitive exhibition of domestic animals
Won first place at the cat show.
Show
A radio or television program.
Show
A movie.
Show
A theatrical troupe or company.
Show
(Informal) An affair or undertaking
Ran the whole show.
Show
(Sports) Third place at the finish, as in a horserace.
Show
(transitive) To display, to have somebody see (something).
The car's dull finish showed years of neglect.
All he had to show for four years of attendance at college was a framed piece of paper.
Show
(transitive) To bestow; to confer.
Show
(transitive) To indicate (a fact) to be true; to demonstrate.
Show
(transitive) To guide or escort.
Could you please show him on his way. He has overstayed his welcome.
They showed us in.
Show
(intransitive) To be visible; to be seen; to appear.
Your bald patch is starting to show.
At length, his gloom showed.
Show
To put in an appearance; show up.
We waited for an hour, but they never showed.
Show
To have an enlarged belly and thus be recognizable as pregnant.
Show
To finish third, especially of horses or dogs.
In the third race: Aces Up won, paying eight dollars; Blarney Stone placed, paying three dollars; and Cinnamon showed, paying five dollars.
Show
To reveal one's hand of cards.
Show
(obsolete) To have a certain appearance, such as well or ill, fit or unfit; to become or suit; to appear.
Show
(countable) A play, dance, or other entertainment.
There were a thousand people at the show.
Show
(countable) An exhibition of items.
Art show;
Dog show
Show
(countable) A broadcast program, especially a light entertainment program.
Radio show;
Television show
They performed in the show.
I spotted my neighbour on the morning TV show.
Show
(countable) A movie.
Let's catch a show.
Show
An agricultural show.
I'm taking the kids to the show on Tuesday.
Show
A project or presentation.
Let's get on with the show.
Let's get this show on the road.
They went on an international road show to sell the shares to investors.
It was Apple's usual dog and pony show.
Show
(countable) A demonstration.
Show of force
Show
(uncountable) Mere display or pomp with no substance. (Usually seen in the phrases "all show" and "for show".)
The dog sounds ferocious but it's all show.
Show
Outward appearance; wileful or deceptive appearance.
Show
The major leagues.
He played AA ball for years, but never made it to the show.
Show
A pale blue flame at the top of a candle flame, indicating the presence of firedamp.
Show
(archaic) Pretence.
Show
(archaic) Sign, token, or indication.
Show
(obsolete) Semblance; likeness; appearance.
Show
(obsolete) Plausibility.
Show
A battle; local conflict.
Show
To exhibit or present to view; to place in sight; to display; - the thing exhibited being the object, and often with an indirect object denoting the person or thing seeing or beholding; as, to show a house; show your colors; shopkeepers show customers goods (show goods to customers).
Go thy way, shew thyself to the priest.
Nor want we skill or art from whence to raiseMagnificence; and what can heaven show more?
Show
To exhibit to the mental view; to tell; to disclose; to reveal; to make known; as, to show one's designs.
Shew them the way wherein they must walk.
If it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away.
Show
Specifically, to make known the way to (a person); hence, to direct; to guide; to asher; to conduct; as, to show a person into a parlor; to show one to the door.
Show
To make apparent or clear, as by evidence, testimony, or reasoning; to prove; to explain; also, to manifest; to evince; as, to show the truth of a statement; to show the causes of an event.
I 'll show my duty by my timely care.
Show
To bestow; to confer; to afford; as, to show favor.
Shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me.
Show
To exhibit or manifest one's self or itself; to appear; to look; to be in appearance; to seem.
Just such she shows before a rising storm.
All round a hedge upshoots, and showsAt distance like a little wood.
Show
To have a certain appearance, as well or ill, fit or unfit; to become or suit; to appear.
My lord of York, it better showed with you.
Show
The act of showing, or bringing to view; exposure to sight; exhibition.
Show
That which os shown, or brought to view; that which is arranged to be seen; a spectacle; an exhibition; as, a traveling show; a cattle show.
As for triumphs, masks, feasts, and such shows.
Show
Proud or ostentatious display; parade; pomp.
I envy none their pageantry and show.
Show
Semblance; likeness; appearance.
He through the midst unmarked,In show plebeian angel militantOf lowest order, passed.
Show
False semblance; deceitful appearance; pretense.
Beware of the scribes, . . . which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers.
Show
A pale blue flame, at the top of a candle flame, indicating the presence of fire damp.
Show
A public exhibition of entertainment;
A remarkable show of skill
Show
Something intended to communicate a particular impression;
Made a display of strength
A show of impatience
A good show of looking interested
Show
A public exhibition or entertainment;
They wanted to see some of the shows on Broadway
Show
Pretending that something is the case in order to make a good impression;
They try to keep up appearances
That ceremony is just for show
Show
Show or demonstrate something to an interested audience;
She shows her dogs frequently
We will demo the new software in Washington
Show
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
Show
Make visible or noticeable;
She showed her talent for cooking
Show me your etchings, please
Show
Show in, or as in, a picture;
This scene depicts country life
The face of the child is rendered with much tenderness in this painting
Show
Give expression to;
She showed her disappointment
Show
Indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively;
I showed the customer the glove section
He pointed to the empty parking space
He indicated his opponents
Show
Make clear and visible;
The article revealed the policies of the government
Show
Be or become visible or noticeable;
His good upbringing really shows
The dirty side will show
Show
Indicate a certain reading; of gauges and instruments;
The thermometer showed thirteen degrees below zero
The gauge read `empty'
Show
Give evidence of, as of records;
The diary shows his distress that evening
Show
Show (someone) to their seats, as in theaters or auditoriums;
The usher showed us to our seats
Show
Finish third or better in a horse or dog race;
He bet $2 on number six to show
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to show something?
To show something means to present it visually or make it visible to others.
What are some common situations where showing is more appropriate than demonstrating?
Showing is more appropriate in situations where visual presentation or simple disclosure is sufficient, such as art exhibitions or introductory briefings where detailed explanations are not necessary.
When should one use demonstrate instead of show?
Use "demonstrate" when you need to explain, teach, or prove how something works or justify a claim, especially in educational, scientific, or persuasive contexts.
Can showing be part of a demonstration?
Yes, showing can be part of a demonstration but the demonstration would include additional elements like explanations or practical examples.
What skills are important for effective demonstrating?
Effective demonstrating requires clear communication, a deep understanding of the subject, and the ability to engage and explain to the audience.
Is demonstration always interactive?
Demonstrations are often interactive, especially in educational settings, to enhance understanding and engagement, though they can also be conducted through videos or live demonstrations without audience participation.
How does demonstrate differ from show?
Demonstrate goes beyond showing by including explanation, evidence, or practical display to explain how something works or to prove something.
Can you demonstrate something without showing it?
Typically, demonstration involves showing, but it includes additional elements such as verbal explanation or practical application.
How does a demonstration in a scientific context differ from a general demonstration?
In a scientific context, a demonstration typically involves a controlled experiment to prove a hypothesis, often with precise measurements and documented results, whereas general demonstrations might focus more on showing techniques or functionalities.
How can one improve their demonstrating skills?
Improving demonstrating skills can be achieved by practicing public speaking, deepening subject matter expertise, and receiving feedback on presentation techniques.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
