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show

A1
Very common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ʃˈəʊ/

US

  • /ˈʃoʊ/

Meanings

Verb

  1. to let someone see or understand something by presenting or demonstrating it

  2. to lead, direct, or escort someone somewhere

Noun

  1. an entertainment program or performance on stage, television, or similar media

  2. an organized event where things are displayed, presented, or judged

Beyond the definition

To "show" something is often to make it visible or clear to someone else. A teacher shows students how to solve a problem, a friend shows you a photo, and a face can show fear, joy, or surprise. It can also mean to lead someone somewhere, as in "Let me show you to your seat."

The word is also very common as a noun. A show can be a play, a TV program, or any kind of performance people watch. You may also hear "show up," which means to arrive. In everyday English, the idea is usually the same: something is made clear, put in front of others, or presented for people to notice.

Examples

  1. 1

    Sharing photos

    She showed me the photos from her trip.

  2. 2

    Instructions

    Can you show me how to use this app?

  3. 3

    Map information

    The map shows where the nearest station is.

  4. 4

    Report evidence

    The report shows that prices are still rising.

More examples
  1. 5

    Visible emotion

    He tried to hide his disappointment, but it showed.

  2. 6

    Office tour

    Let me show you around the new office.

    • Patternshow someone around

      take someone to different places and explain the place

  3. 7

    Restaurant seating

    The waiter showed us to our table.

    • Patternshow someone to + place

      lead them there

  4. 8

    Boasting

    He bought the sports car just to show off.

    • Phraseshow off

      try to make people admire you

  5. 9

    Arrival

    We were supposed to meet at six, but she never showed up.

    • Phraseshow up

      arrive

  6. 10

    TV program

    I watched a cooking show while I ate dinner.

  7. 11

    Performance

    The band put on a great show.

    • Phraseput on a show

      give a performance

  8. 12

    Appearance only

    Most of his confidence was just for show.

    • Phrasefor show

      only to impress people

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • show someone something
  • show something to someone
  • show your work
  • show proof of identity

Word family

Explore

Forms and spellings

5 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • shownounverb

Forms

  • showspluralnounverb
  • shownpast participleverbnoun
  • showing-ing formverbnoun
  • showedpast tenseverbnoun