WordGarden.ioshew
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃˈəʊ/
US
- /ˈʃu/
Meanings
Verb
to show, display, or make known
Beyond the definition
"Shew" is an old spelling of the word "show." It means to let something be seen, to present it, or to make it clear. It is rare in modern English, but you may still see it in older writing, including classic books and the King James Bible. For example, a person might shew kindness to a stranger, or a map might shew the way to a hidden city. Even though it looks unusual today, it is pronounced exactly like "show."
Once a standard spelling in English, "shew" is now considered archaic. While it may look as though it should rhyme with "new" or "view," it is actually pronounced exactly like "show" (/ʃoʊ/). For centuries, "shew" and "show" existed as variant spellings, with "shew" remaining common in formal, legal, and religious texts well into the 19th century. To shew something is to reveal it, display it, or make it known.
Imagine a proud artist who wants to shew their latest masterpiece to the world—they are presenting it for others to admire. Or consider a historical text where a ruler shews mercy to a prisoner, demonstrating compassion through their actions. In older literature, you might find phrases like "Shew me thy face," which simply means "Show me your face."
The transition from "shew" to "show" was a slow process. "Show" became more common over time, but "shew" continued in British English for many years before falling out of everyday use. Today, recognizing this word can enrich your experience when reading classic novels, poetry, or historical documents. It is a reminder of how English spelling has changed over time. So, if you shew someone this card, you are sharing a small piece of linguistic history!
Examples
- 1
Older writing
These old maps shew that the river once ran farther east.
- Usageshew
old-fashioned spelling of show, used in older writing
- 2
Travel documents
All travelers had to shew a pass before crossing the bridge.
- 3
Giving directions
He offered to shew us the quickest path through the woods.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- shewverb