Pronunciation: ' sh ō
Function: verb
Inflected Form: showed \ ' sh ō d \ ; shown \ ' sh ō n \ or showed ; show · ing
Etymology: Middle English shewen, showen, from Old English sc ē awian to look, look at, see; akin to Old High German scouw ō n to look, look at, and probably to Latin cav ē re to be on one's guard
Date: 12th century
transitive verb
1 : to cause or permit to be seen : EXHIBIT < show ed pictures of the baby>
2 : to offer for sale <stores were show ing new spring suits>
3 : to present as a public spectacle : PERFORM
4 : to reveal by one's condition, nature, or behavior < show ed themselves to be cowards>
5 : to give indication or record of <an anemometer show s wind speed>
6 a : to point out : direct attention to < show ed the view from the terrace> b : CONDUCT , USHER < show ed me to an aisle seat>
7 : ACCORD , BESTOW < show s them no mercy>
8 a : to set forth : DECLARE b : ALLEGE , PLEAD ― used especially in law < show cause>
9 a : to demonstrate or establish by argument or reasoning < show a plan to be faulty> b : INFORM , INSTRUCT < show ed me how to solve the problem>
10 : to present (an animal) for judging in a show
intransitive verb
1 a : to be or come in view <3:15 show ed on the clock> b : to put in an appearance <failed to show >
2 a : to appear in a particular way <anger show ed in their faces> b : SEEM , APPEAR
3 a : to give a theatrical performance b : to be staged or presented
4 a : to appear as a contestant b : to present an animal in a show
5 : to finish third or at least third (as in a horse race)
6 : to exhibit one's artistic work
– show · able \ ' sh ō - ə -b ə l \ adjective
– show one's hand also show one's cards
1 : to display one's cards faceup
2 : to declare one's intentions or reveal one's resources
– show one the door : to tell someone to get out also : FIRE 2B
synonyms SHOW , EXHIBIT , DISPLAY , EXPOSE , PARADE , FLAUNT mean to present so as to invite notice or attention. SHOW implies no more than enabling another to see or examine < showed her snapshots to the whole group>. EXHIBIT stresses putting forward prominently or openly < exhibit paintings at a gallery>. DISPLAY emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage < display sale items>. EXPOSE suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying <sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers>. PARADE implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying < parading their piety for all to see>. FLAUNT suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading <nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth>.
synonyms SHOW , MANIFEST , EVIDENCE , EVINCE , DEMONSTRATE mean to reveal outwardly or make apparent. SHOW is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words <careful not to show his true feelings>. MANIFEST implies a plainer, more immediate revelation < manifested musical ability at an early age>. EVIDENCE suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something <a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service>. EVINCE implies a showing by outward marks or signs < evinced not the slightest fear>. DEMONSTRATE implies showing by action or by display of feeling < demonstrated their approval by loud applause>.