Here are some synonyms for the word "show" along with their explanations and examples to help you understand their usage:
1. Display
- Meaning: To put something in a place where it can easily be seen; to show something publicly or visibly.
- Example: The museum is displaying a collection of rare paintings this month. (The museum is making the collection of rare paintings visible to the public this month.)
2. Exhibit
- Meaning: Similar to display, it means to show something publicly, often in a formal or organized setting like a gallery or a trade show.
- Example: Many artists will exhibit their works at the upcoming art exhibition. (Many artists will show their works publicly at the approaching art exhibition.)
3. Demonstrate
- Meaning: To show how something works or is done by giving a practical example or explanation. It often involves proving or making clear a particular skill, process, or fact.
- Example: The teacher demonstrated the experiment to the students to help them understand the scientific concept. (The teacher showed how the experiment works to the students to assist their understanding of the scientific concept.)
4. Present
- Meaning: To show or offer something for others to see, consider, or experience. It can also mean to introduce something or someone formally.
- Example: She will present her research findings at the conference. (She will show her research results to the people at the conference.)
He presented his new girlfriend to his parents. (He introduced his new girlfriend to his parents, which is also a way of "showing" her to them in a sense.)
5. Reveal
- Meaning: To make something known or visible that was previously hidden or secret.
- Example: The magician revealed the hidden card with a flourish. (The magician made the previously hidden card known or visible in a showy way.)
6. Unveil
- Meaning: Similar to reveal, especially when something is being shown for the first time in a formal or ceremonial way. It often implies taking away a covering or hiding to expose what's underneath.
- Example: The company will unveil its new product at the big event next week. (The company will show its new product for the first time in a formal way at the significant event next week.)
7. Illustrate
- Meaning: To show or explain something by using pictures, examples, or stories. It helps to make an idea or concept clearer.
- Example: The book illustrates the history of the city with many old photographs. (The book shows the history of the city by using many old photographs to explain it.)
These synonyms can be used interchangeably with "show" in many contexts, but each has its own nuances that make them more suitable for specific situations.