[show] vb showed ; shown or showed ; show.ing [ME shewen, showen, fr. OE sceawian to look, look at, see; akin to OHG scouwon to look, look at, and prob. to L cavere to be on one's guard] vt (12c) 1: to cause or permit to be seen: exhibit "~ed pictures of the baby"
2: to offer for sale "stores were ~ing new spring suits"
3: to present as a public spectacle: perform
4: to reveal by one's condition, nature, or behavior "~ed themselves to be cowards"
5: to give indication or record of "an anemometer ~s wind speed"
6. a: to point out: direct attention to "~ed the view from the terrace" b: conduct, usher "~ed me to an aisle seat" 7: accord, bestow "~s them no mercy"
8. a: to set forth: declare b: allege, plead--used esp. in law "~ cause"
9. a: to demonstrate or establish by argument or reasoning "~ a plan to be faulty" b: inform, instruct "~ed me how to solve the problem" 10: to present (an animal) for judging in a show ~ vi 1 a: to be or come in view "3:15 ~ed on the clock" b: to put in an appearance "failed to ~"
2. a: to appear in a particular way "anger ~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 adj -- show one's hand 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 syn 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". syn 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".
[2]show n, often attrib (13c) 1: a demonstrative display "a ~ of strength"
2. a archaic: outward appearance b: a false semblance: pretense "made a ~ of friendship" c: a more or less true appearance of something: sign d: an impressive display "his role as househusband ... was purely for ~ --John Lahr" e: ostentation
3: chance "gave him a ~ in spite of his background"
4: something exhibited esp. for wonder or ridicule: spectacle
5. a: a large display or exhibition arranged to arouse interest or stimulate sales "the national auto ~" b: a competitive exhibition of animals (as dogs) to demonstrate quality in breeding
6. a: a theatrical presentation b: a radio or television program c: entertainment 3a 7: enterprise, affair "they ran the whole ~" 8: an indication of metal in a mine or of gas or oil in a well 9: third place at the finish (as of a horse race)