Show: meaning, definitions and examples

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show

 

[ ʃoʊ ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

in a performance

to present or perform (a play, film, etc.) to an audience

Synonyms

perform, present, screen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
show

This is a duplicate entry with identical context to the first 'show'.

  • This is a duplicate example for the word 'show'.
present

Mostly used in formal or professional situations when introducing information, findings, or proposals to an audience.

  • He will present his research at the conference.
  • She presented the new project to the team.
perform

Used when referring to carrying out a task, especially in front of an audience. Common in artistic and professional settings.

  • The band will perform at the concert tonight.
  • She performed well in the interview.
screen

Typically used when referring to displaying visual content, like movies or videos, on a screen. Often found in entertainment or tech contexts.

  • They will screen the new movie at the theater.
  • The documentary will be screened on TV next week.

Examples of usage

  • He will be showing his new film at the festival.
  • The theater is showing a classic play this weekend.
Context #2 | Verb

display

to allow or cause (something) to be seen

Synonyms

demonstrate, display, exhibit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
show

Use 'show' for general purposes when you want to present something to someone informally or in conversation.

  • Can you show me how to fix this?
  • He showed his new car to his friends.
display

Use 'display' when you are referring to putting something in a place where people can see it, often for admiration or informational purposes.

  • The museum has a new dinosaur exhibit on display.
  • She displayed her artwork in the gallery.
exhibit

Use 'exhibit' usually in a formal or artistic context when showcasing items or skills, often in a professional setting like a museum or trade show.

  • The artist will exhibit her paintings at the gallery next month.
  • They have decided to exhibit the new technology at the conference.
demonstrate

Use 'demonstrate' in a more formal context when you want to explain how something works or prove something through examples or evidence.

  • The teacher demonstrated the science experiment to the class.
  • He demonstrated his cooking skills at the event.

Examples of usage

  • The artist will be showing her paintings at the gallery.
  • She showed great skill in her presentation.
Context #3 | Noun

exhibition

an occasion when something is shown to the public

Synonyms

display, exhibition, presentation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
show

Use when talking about any form of performance or event where something is demonstrated or displayed to an audience.

  • We went to a magic show last night.
  • The school is hosting a talent show next week.
exhibition

Commonly used for organized events where objects or works of art are put on display for the public to view, often in museums or galleries.

  • The science museum has an exhibition on the history of space exploration.
  • We visited the annual flower exhibition at the park.
display

Appropriate for when something is arranged or set out for the public or people to see, especially in a special or organized way.

  • The art gallery had a beautiful display of modern paintings.
  • The store window had a festive holiday display.
presentation

Used in formal or educational settings when someone shows and explains the content or research to others, often with the help of visual aids like slides.

  • She gave an excellent presentation on climate change at the conference.
  • We have a business presentation scheduled for tomorrow.

Examples of usage

  • The art show was a great success.
  • There will be a car show downtown this weekend.

Translations

Translations of the word "show" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mostrar

🇮🇳 दिखाना

🇩🇪 zeigen

🇮🇩 menunjukkan

🇺🇦 показувати

🇵🇱 pokazać

🇯🇵 見せる (みせる)

🇫🇷 montrer

🇪🇸 mostrar

🇹🇷 göstermek

🇰🇷 보여주다

🇸🇦 عرض

🇨🇿 ukázat

🇸🇰 ukázať

🇨🇳 展示 (zhǎnshì)

🇸🇮 pokazati

🇮🇸 sýna

🇰🇿 көрсету

🇬🇪 ჩვენება

🇦🇿 göstərmək

🇲🇽 mostrar

Etymology

The word 'show' can be traced back to the Old English word 'sceawian', meaning 'to look at, see, gaze'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the idea of presenting or exhibiting something to others. Throughout history, shows have been a form of entertainment and expression, ranging from theatrical performances to exhibitions of art and innovation.

See also: showable, showbiz, showcase, showcased, showdown, showed, shower, showery, showily, showiness, showing, showjumper, showman, showmanship, showmen, shown, showpiece, showroom, shows, showstopper, showup, showy.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #282, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.