show

show1 [ ʃou ] (past tense showed; past participle shown [ ʃoun ] ) verb ***

▸ 1 prove something is true

▸ 2 give information

▸ 3 behave in particular way

▸ 4 let someone see something

▸ 5 give instructions, etc.

▸ 6 lead someone somewhere

▸ 7 be able to be seen

▸ 8 about movie/program

▸ 9 put in exhibit, etc.

▸ 10 arrive where expected

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) transitive to prove that something exists or is true:

The study shows an increase in the disease among the elderly.

show (that): The results show that doctors cannot rely on tests alone.

show what/where/why etc.: Accidents like this show what can happen when drivers are not alert.

be shown to do something: Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of getting lung cancer.

as shown by/in something: As has been shown by our study, young people are less likely to vote.

show someone/something to be something: The drug has shown itself to be an effective treatment for depression.

2. ) transitive to give information you can see on a printed thing such as a map or photograph:

Members receive a detailed map showing all the major tourist attractions.

show something by something: The temperature is shown on the diagram by a red line.

show something as something: Chemical changes are shown on the chart as small circles.

a ) to give information you can see in a movie or on television:

The election results were shown on television.

b ) to give information you can see on a piece of equipment that measures something:

The dial showed that the pressure had fallen to a dangerously low level.

3. ) transitive to behave in a way that allows people to know your feelings, opinions, or personal qualities:

Try to show an interest in the customer's needs.

men who find it difficult to show their emotions

show (that): The management has shown that it is not willing to compromise.

show what/how/why etc.: They have shown what they think of our suggestion.

show your appreciation/gratitude: The gift is intended to show our appreciation for all your hard work.

a ) intransitive if your feelings or thoughts show, people know what you are feeling or thinking from the way you behave:

A deep sense of sadness showed beneath his cheerful exterior.

4. ) transitive to let someone see something:

show something to someone: This is the first time the painting has been shown to the public.

show someone something: I couldn't wait to show him the letter.

show something to advantage (=make it appear as good or impressive as possible): The display is designed to show the dresses to advantage.

5. ) transitive to give someone instructions or an explanation:

show someone something: Can you show me the right way to do this?

show someone how/what/which etc.: A young girl showed me how to brush a horse.

a ) to tell someone where something is:

show someone where: She showed me where I could leave my luggage.

6. ) transitive to lead someone somewhere, for example because they do not know where to go:

show someone to something: Let me show you to your room.

show someone into something: She showed me into a sunny room, where two children were playing.

7. ) intransitive or transitive if something shows, people can see it or notice it:

They managed to fix it so that the break wouldn't show.

She had chosen a color that really showed the dirt.

and it shows (=used for saying that something is very obvious): They used the cheapest materials they could find, and it shows.

8. ) intransitive or transitive if someone shows a movie or television program or it is showing, people can see it:

It was the first time the movie was shown on television.

Now showing at a movie theater near you!

9. ) transitive to put something such as a work of art, an animal, or a plant in an exhibit or competition:

Her work was first shown at a gallery in Munich.

I've been showing my dogs for over ten years.

10. ) show or show up intransitive INFORMAL to arrive in a place where people are expecting you:

We didn't think Austin would show.

have something/nothing to show for something

to have achieved something/nothing as a result of something you have done:

They had absolutely nothing to show for weeks of hard work.

I'll show you/him/them etc. SPOKEN

used for talking about what you intend to do as an angry reaction to what someone has said or done:

I'll show them who's the failure in this family!

it shows/goes to show MAINLY SPOKEN

used for saying that a particular fact is proved by what has happened:

It just goes to show that you can never trust reporters.

show your face INFORMAL

to go somewhere where other people will see you, especially when they might not want you to be there:

I don't know how Sarah can show her face around here after what she did.

show your hand

to let someone know what you intend to do or what methods you have of doing it

show a profit/loss

if a company, project, etc. shows a profit/loss, it makes a profit or a loss

show signs of something

used for talking about what seems to be happening:

The animals showed no signs of being upset.

The economy was beginning to show signs of recovery.

show someone who's boss INFORMAL

to show someone that you have more power or authority than they have

show yourself

to stop hiding and let someone see you

,show a`round phrasal verb transitive

show someone around to lead someone around a place for the first time, so that they can see all parts of it:

I'll get someone to show you around.

show someone around something: They sent someone to show me around the new offices.

,show `in phrasal verb transitive

show someone in to lead someone into a room where they are going to meet other people:

When she arrives, show her in right away.

,show `off phrasal verb

1. ) intransitive to behave in a way that is intended to attract people's attention and make them admire you:

The children start showing off the minute anyone comes to visit.

2. ) transitive to show people something you are very proud of so they will admire it:

Young musicians will get the chance to show off their musical skills.

3. ) transitive to make something look very impressive or attractive:

The pants were very tight-fitting, showing off her slim figure.

,show `out phrasal verb transitive

show someone out to lead someone to the door by which they leave a place:

Ask someone in the office to show you out.

,show `up phrasal verb

1. ) intransitive INFORMAL same as SHOW1 10

2. ) intransitive if something shows up, people can see it:

The writing didn't show up very well on yellow paper.

a ) transitive to make it possible to see something:

The white slipcover showed up every speck of dirt.

3. ) transitive to behave in a way that makes someone you are with feel embarrassed:

You're always showing me up in front of my friends.

show

show 2 [ ʃou ] noun ***

1. ) count a performance, especially in a theater:

She had tickets to see the new show at the Winter Garden.

The show features three new actors in the main roles.

the show opens (=appears for the first time): She walked out three days before the show was due to open.

steal the show (=be the most impressive performer): Tonight the featured actor stole the show, making the audience forget the star.

a ) a television or radio program:

It's the funniest comedy show on television.

host/present a show: I listened to a National Public Radio show hosted by Garrison Keillor.

a game show (=in which people answer questions and win prizes): They spend their days watching game shows.

b ) an exhibit:

a fashion/flower show

c ) INFORMAL any type of event or occasion:

The interview turned out to be quite a show.

2. ) singular something you do in order to make people realize what your opinions or intentions are:

a show of force/strength: The attack was clearly intended as a show of force.

In a rare show of unity, both Catholic and Protestant leaders appeared together at yesterday's peace rally.

a ) singular or uncount an occasion when you pretend to have particular feelings:

put on/make a show of something: They made a show of affection for the sake of the children.

for show (=in order to give a false appearance): The kisses and warm words were clearly just for show.

get the show on the road MAINLY SPOKEN

to begin a particular activity:

OK, the boat's ready, so let's get this show on the road.

on show

available for people to see:

These are just some of the exciting works of art on show in San Francisco today.

put up a good/poor show INFORMAL

to do something well/badly:

They put up a poor show against the stronger team.

=> SHOW OF HANDS