show
show Lexical Profile
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• noun
A theatrical performance, television program, or public entertainment event.
"We bought tickets for the evening show at the downtown theater."
A public exhibition, fair, or competition displaying specific items, artworks, or animals.
"Local artists presented their latest paintings at the annual spring art show."
An outward appearance, demonstration, or pretense intended to create a particular impression.
"The committee voted by a show of hands, and the nominee put on a brave show of confidence."
• verb
To allow, cause, or present something to be seen or examined.
"Please show your identification card at the security desk before entering."
To demonstrate, prove, or make a fact or idea clear through evidence or reasoning.
"Recent clinical studies show that regular exercise significantly improves cardiovascular health."
To instruct, guide, or explain to someone how to perform a task or reach a destination.
"The senior technician will show the new interns how to calibrate the laboratory equipment."
To express or manifest an emotion, quality, or attitude toward others.
"The community continued to show great kindness and generosity toward the displaced families."
To be or become visible or noticeable.
"A faint trace of disappointment began to show on the candidate's face."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'shown' is the standard past participle in most modern contexts (e.g., 'she has shown great courage'), 'showed' remains acceptable as a past participle in rare active uses, though it functions primarily as the simple past tense.
• Rhymes for show
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'scēawian', meaning 'to look at, examine, or inspect', derived from Proto-Germanic '*skauwijaną'. In Middle English, the primary sense shifted from 'looking at' to 'causing to be seen or displaying'.