English Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition show in British English

show verb

verb
/ʃəʊ/

▪ affection, appreciation, compassion, emotion, feelings, gratitude, interest, reluctance, respect, willingness

1

to prove that something exists or is true

Example

The study shows an increase in the disease among the elderly.

Example

The test results show that he could not have committed the murder.

Example

Accidents like this show what can happen when drivers are not alert.

Example

Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of getting lung cancer.

Example

As has been shown by our study, young people are less likely to vote.

Example

The drug has shown itself to be an effective treatment for depression.

Synonyms and related words
2

to give information that you can see on a printed thing such as a map or photograph

Example

The temperature is shown on the diagram by a red line.

Example

Chemical changes are shown on the chart as small circles.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

to give information that you can see in a film or on television

Example

The election results were shown on television.

Synonyms and related words
2.2

to give information that you can see on a piece of equipment that measures something

Example

The dial showed that the pressure had fallen to a dangerously low level.

Synonyms and related words
3

to behave in a way that allows people to know your feelings, opinions, or personal qualities

Example

Try to show an interest in the customer's needs.

Example

men who find it difficult to show their emotions

Example

The gift is intended to show our appreciation for all your hard work.

Example

The government has shown that it is not willing to compromise.

Example

They have shown what they think of our suggestion.

Synonyms and related words
3.1

if your feelings or thoughts show, people know what you are feeling or thinking from the way that you behave

Synonyms and related words
4

to let someone see something

Example

This is the first time the painting has been shown to the public.

Example

I couldn't wait to show him the letter.

Example

The display is designed to show the dresses to advantage.

Synonyms and related words
5

to lead someone somewhere, for example because they do not know where to go

Example

Let me show you to your room.

Example

She showed me into a sunny room where two children were playing.

Synonyms and related words
6

to give someone instructions or an explanation

Example

A young girl showed me how to operate the machine.

Example

Can you show me the right way to do this?

Synonyms and related words
6.1

to tell someone where something is

Example

She showed me where I could leave my luggage.

Synonyms and related words
7

if something shows, people can see it or notice it

Example

They managed to fix it so that the break wouldn't show.

Example

She had chosen a colour that really showed the dirt.

Example

They used the cheapest materials they could find, and it shows.

Synonyms and related words
8

if someone shows a film or a television programme, or if it is showing, people can see it

Example

It was the first time the film was shown on television.

Example

Now showing at a cinema near you!

Synonyms and related words
9

to put something such as a work of art, an animal, or a plant in an exhibition or competition

Example

Her work was first shown at a gallery in Munich.

Example

I've been showing my dogs for over ten years.

Synonyms and related words
10

to arrive in a place where people are expecting you

Example

We didn't think Austin would show.

Synonyms and related words
11

said of an ​action that you ​intend as a ​punishment for someone who has done something that you disapprove of

Example

The next time he use my credit card without permission, I'll tell him off for that. That'll show him!

12

especially in politics, to reveal a small part of your intentions in order to attract support, without actually committing yourself to doing anything

Example

He saw that the Gove had been showing a bit of political ankle on Europe - the kind of manoeuvring, incidentally, which Gove accused both Nick Clegg and Vince Cable of doing on the same programme, the cad.

Definition show in British English