I. ˈshō verb
( showed ˈshōd ; shown ˈshōn ; or showed ; show·ing )
Etymology: Middle English shewen, showen, from Old English scēawian to look, look at, see; akin to Old High German scouwōn to look, look at, and probably to Latin cavēre 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 ˈshō-ə-bəl adjective
•
- show one's hand
- show one the door
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
II. noun
Usage: often attributive
Date: 13th century
1. : a demonstrative display
a show of strength
2.
a. archaic : outward appearance
b. : a false semblance : pretense
made a show of friendship
c. : a more or less true appearance of something : sign
d. : an impressive display
his role as househusband…was purely for show — John Lahr
e. : ostentation
3. : chance 2
gave him a show in spite of his background
4. : something exhibited especially for wonder or ridicule : spectacle
5.
a. : a large display or exhibition arranged to arouse interest or stimulate sales
the national auto show
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 3b(1)
7. : enterprise , affair
they ran the whole show
8. : third place at the finish (as of a horse race)
9. often capitalized : the major leagues in baseball — used with the