noun
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the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaininga remarkable show of skill
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something intended to communicate a particular impression (syn: display)a show of impatience
a good show of looking interested
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a social event involving a public performance or entertainmentthey wanted to see some of the shows on Broadway
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pretending that something is the case in order to make a good impression (syn: appearance)that ceremony is just for show
verb
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give an exhibition of to an interested audience (syn: demo, demonstrate, exhibit, present)She shows her dogs frequently
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establish the validity of something, as by an example, explanation or experiment (syn: demonstrate, establish, prove, shew)The mathematician showed the validity of the conjecture
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provide evidence for (syn: evidence, prove, testify)The blood test showed that he was the father
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make visible or noticeableShe showed her talent for cooking
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show in, or as in, a picture (syn: depict, picture, render)-
give expression to (syn: evince, express)She showed her disappointment
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indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively (syn: designate, indicate, point)I showed the customer the glove section
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be or become visible or noticeable (syn: show up)His good upbringing really shows
The dirty side will show
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indicate a certain reading; of gauges and instruments (syn: read, record, register)The thermometer showed thirteen degrees below zero
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give evidence of, as of recordsThe diary shows his distress that evening
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take (someone) to their seats, as in theaters or auditoriums (syn: usher)The usher showed us to our seats
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finish third or better in a horse or dog racehe bet $2 on number six to show
Extra examples
You have to show your tickets at the gate.
You're the only person that I've shown this letter to.
They showed the theory to be faulty.
You will have to show me how to play the game.
He showed them a card trick.
Definitions tell you the meanings of words; examples show you how the words are used.
She was the star of the show.
The band always puts on a good show.
A show of his early paintings
He showed me the pictures of his family.
I've got a new toy I want to show you.
He showed us how to lasso.
Many people showed us marks on walls where the waters reached.
He let me in and showed me the way to the sitting room.
He showed us to our seats.
Phrasal verbs
show off
— display proudly; act ostentatiously or pretentiously
show up
— appear or become visible; make a showing
Word forms
verb
I/you/we/they: show
he/she/it: shows
present participle: showing
past tense: showed
past participle: shown
noun
singular: show
plural: shows