show
show
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "show" is /ʃəʊ/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds:
ʃ: This represents the "sh" sound, as in "ship" or "fish." It's a voiceless postalveolar fricative.
əʊ: This is a diphthong, a combination of two vowel sounds. It starts with a sound similar to the "o" in "boat" (but slightly more central) and glides to a sound similar to the "o" in "go."
Word Form Variations
show (noun): This is the base form, referring to a display, performance, or exhibition. Examples: "I went to a show." "The show must go on."
shows (noun, plural): More than one show. Examples: "The theater puts on several shows a week." "I saw three shows on my trip."
show (verb): To display, exhibit, or make visible. Examples: "Please show me your ticket." "The data shows an increase."
showing (noun): A presentation or screening. Examples: "There will be a showing of the film tonight." (also a present participle of the verb)
showing (verb, present participle): The act of displaying. Example: "She is showing her artwork at the gallery."
showed (verb, past tense): The past tense of "show." Example: "He showed me his new car."
shown (verb, past participle): The past participle of "show." Example: "The results have been shown to be accurate." (also sometimes used as past tense in some dialects)
shower (noun): While not a direct variation in the sense of singular/plural or tense, "shower" is related etymologically and can sometimes be confused. It refers to a brief period of rain or a fixture for washing.
showy (adjective): Ostentatious or flashy. Example: "He wore a showy suit."
showier (adjective, comparative): More showy.
showiest (adjective, superlative): Most showy.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1: A public display or performance intended to entertain or inform.
Synonyms: performance, exhibition, presentation, spectacle, production, demonstration, display
Antonyms: concealment, hiding, secrecy, suppression
Definition 2: An outward appearance or pretense.
Synonyms: facade, pretense, semblance, appearance, disguise
Antonyms: reality, truth, genuineness, sincerity
Verb:
Definition 1: To cause or allow something to be seen; to display.
Synonyms: exhibit, present, reveal, display, demonstrate, unveil, expose
Antonyms: conceal, hide, obscure, cover, suppress
Definition 2: To explain or make clear.
Synonyms: explain, clarify, illustrate, demonstrate, elucidate, interpret
Antonyms: confuse, mislead, mystify, obscure
Definition 3: To prove or demonstrate.
Synonyms: prove, confirm, verify, substantiate, validate, establish
Antonyms: disprove, refute, contradict, invalidate
Adjective:
Definition: (Informal) Attracting attention; striking; impressive. (Often used with a negative connotation, implying superficiality or boastfulness.)
Synonyms: ostentatious, flamboyant, flashy, pretentious, boastful, extravagant
Antonyms: modest, understated, simple, restrained, humble
Adverb:
"Show" is not typically used as an adverb. Related adverbs would be derived from other forms, such as "showily".
Examples of Use
Noun (Performance/Display):
"The Broadway show Hamilton continues to sell out performances." (General public discourse/Entertainment news)
"The art show featured a diverse collection of contemporary paintings." (Art world/Event listings)
"The car show showcased the latest models from various manufacturers." (Automotive industry/Event reporting)
"Attend a dog show to see various breeds." (Pet owner discourse/Event promotion)
"The data show a clear trend." (Statistical report/Academic publication)
Noun (Pretense/Facade):
"He put on a show of confidence, even though he was nervous." (General public discourse/Character description in literature)
"It was all a show; they didn't really care about the issue." (Political commentary/Opinion piece)
Verb (Display/Exhibit):
"Please show me your identification." (Customer service interaction/Everyday conversation)
"The museum will show a new exhibit on ancient Egypt." (Museum website/Cultural event announcement)
"The company's profits showed a significant increase." (Business news/Financial report)
"The study showed a correlation between exercise and mental health." (Scientific journal/Health news)
"Show your work." (Educational context/Classroom instruction)
Verb (Explain/Clarify):
"Can you show me how to use this software?" (Technical support/Online forum)
"The teacher showed the students how to solve the equation." (Educational context/Classroom instruction)
Adjective (Striking/Impressive):
"He wore a showy suit to the party." (Fashion commentary/Social event reporting)
"The athlete made a showy display of his skills." (Sports news/Commentary)
Examples across media:
Books: "She put on a brave show for the cameras." (Fictional narrative)
Newspapers: "The local theater is putting on a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream." (Local news/Arts and entertainment section)
Online Publications: "This infographic shows the impact of climate change." (Environmental website/News article)
Entertainment Platforms: "I binge-watched the entire season of that show." (Social media/Online review)
General Public Discourse: "Let's go to a show this weekend!" (Casual conversation)
10 Famous Quotes Using Show
"Talk is cheap. Show me the code." (Linus Torvalds)
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle." (Steve Jobs).
"The world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players." (William Shakespeare, As You Like It).
"Show me a hero and I'll write you a tragedy." (F. Scott Fitzgerald).
"Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass." (Anton Chekhov).
"Showing kindness to one person, or even an animal, can inspire others to be kind." (Original/Paraphrased).
"A picture is worth a thousand words." (Proverb).
"Actions speak louder than words." (Proverb).
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." (Peter Drucker).
"The greatest show on Earth." (P.T. Barnum, often associated with the Barnum & Bailey Circus).
Etymology
Let's break down the etymology of "show" in a way that's easy to understand. Etymology is basically the study of where words come from – their origins and how they've changed over time.
"Show" has a pretty straightforward history. It comes from the Old English word "scēawian," which meant "to look at, behold, inspect." Think of it like "to see," but with a bit more intention, like you're actively paying attention to something. This Old English word is related to other words in Germanic languages, like the Dutch "schouwen" and the German "schauen," which also mean "to look at."
The first known uses of "scēawian" were way back in the Old English period, which lasted from roughly the 5th to the 11th centuries. So, we're talking over a thousand years ago! Even then, it had the core meaning of looking at something.
Over time, the word evolved. The spelling changed a bit, and the meaning broadened. It wasn't just about looking; it also came to mean "to cause to be seen," like when you show someone something. This meaning developed gradually.
So, in a nutshell:
It started with the Old English word "scēawian" meaning "to look at."
This word is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
Over centuries, the spelling and pronunciation changed, and the meaning expanded to include "displaying" or "exhibiting" something.
That's the basic etymology of "show." It's a word with deep roots in English and related languages, and its meaning has gradually evolved over time, while always keeping the core idea of making something visible or apparent.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Show
Common Phrases and Expressions:
Show and tell: A common activity in early education where children bring an item to class and talk about it.
Show off: To display one's abilities or possessions in a boastful way.
Show up: To arrive or appear, especially unexpectedly. Also, to prove to be better than expected.
Show out: (Chiefly African American Vernacular English) To behave in a way that attracts attention, often in a negative or disruptive way.
Show someone the ropes: To guide or instruct someone new to a task or situation.
Show one's true colors: To reveal one's real personality or character, especially after a period of pretense.
Show some respect: An imperative phrase demanding respectful behavior.
Show of hands: A way of voting or indicating preferences by raising one's hand.
The show must go on: A theatrical saying meaning that a performance must continue despite problems.
Show me the money!: A phrase popularized by the film Jerry Maguire, expressing a demand for payment.
Show your work: A common instruction in educational settings, asking students to demonstrate their problem-solving process.
Why fewer idioms with "show"?
"Show" is often used quite literally. Many of its common uses are direct and transparent about the act of displaying or revealing something. Idioms, by nature, are figurative and often have meanings that are not immediately obvious from the words themselves. Verbs of more abstract action or states of being often lend themselves more easily to idiomatic use.
Phrases with Synonyms for Similar Effect:
Since "show" is often about making things visible or apparent, we can look at idioms with synonyms like "display," "reveal," or "demonstrate":
Display of affection (PDA): A public demonstration of love or fondness.
Reveal one's hand: To disclose one's plans or intentions.
Demonstrate competence: To prove one's ability to do something effectively.
Lesser-known/Original Phrases:
"Show a little leg": To dress or behave in a slightly provocative way.
"Show one's teeth": To display aggression or assertiveness.
"Show the white flag": To surrender or give up.
"Show-and-prove": To demonstrate one's abilities, often in a competitive context.
While "show" might not be overflowing with idioms, its presence in common phrases and the related expressions with its synonyms highlight its central role in describing acts of making things known or visible.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of show from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
