show
gb/ʃˈoʊ/ us/ʃˈoʊ/
A1
English
~ 900
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A1
action
1
present for others to see
To let someone see something.
Usage pattern:
to show [something] to [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'show' with 'see'. 'Show' means you make something visible to someone else; 'see' means you look at it yourself.
Synonyms
display (Often used for objects or visuals, sometimes more formal.)
Antonyms
hide (Means to keep something from being seen.)
Collocations
show evidence
|show photos
|show results
|show interest
|show signs
Themes
communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She showed me the pictures from her trip.
- Please show your ticket at the entrance.
- He showed the class his science project.
- The teacher showed the students a new method.
- Can you show me how this works?
Learner examples
- She showed me her dog.
- Please show me your book.
- Can you show me the way?
- He showed the picture to his friend.
- Show me your hands.
Noun
A2
event
2
performance or entertainment event
An event or program made to entertain people.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'show' (the event) with 'movie' or 'film'. A movie is a film; a show can be on TV, stage, or live in various forms.
Synonyms
performance (Refers more specifically to a live act in front of an audience.)
Collocations
TV show
|game show
|stage show
|reality show
Themes
entertainment
|media
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Examples
- We went to see a Broadway show.
- That TV show is very popular.
- The circus put on a great show.
- She stars in a new cooking show.
- The fireworks show was amazing.
Learner examples
- I like that TV show.
- We saw a show last night.
- The show starts at 8 p.m.
- He is in a music show.
- The kids enjoyed the magic show.
Verb
A1
action
3
demonstrate or explain method
To help someone learn by doing it in front of them.
Usage pattern:
to show [someone] how to [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners may omit 'how' when it is needed: 'Show me cook rice' is incorrect; correct is 'Show me how to cook rice'.
Synonyms
demonstrate (Often more formal, emphasizes the act of showing by doing.)
Collocations
show someone how
|show technique
|show process
Themes
education
|communication
Examples
- Can you show me how to use this software?
- He showed her how to tie a knot.
- The instructor showed us the correct form.
- She showed them how to bake bread.
- I will show you how to set it up.
Learner examples
- Please show me how to cook rice.
- He showed me how to fix the bike.
- She showed us how to play the game.
- Can you show me how to use this phone?
- My dad showed me how to drive.
Verb
B1
action
4
make quality or fact visible
To let other people see a feeling or fact by what you do or say.
Usage pattern:
to show [emotion/quality/sign]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'show' in this sense with 'tell'. 'Show' here is about making something visible or noticeable, not saying it in words.
Synonyms
express (Focuses more on communication of feelings or ideas, not necessarily visually.)
Antonyms
conceal (Means to keep emotions or information from being noticed.)
Collocations
show interest
|show respect
|show anger
|show support
Themes
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He showed great courage during the rescue.
- She doesn't like to show her emotions in public.
- The report shows a rise in unemployment.
- They showed no signs of fear.
- Your work shows real improvement.
Learner examples
- He shows kindness to everyone.
- She showed her love with a hug.
- The test shows my progress.
- He showed no fear.
- Her face shows happiness.
Noun
B2
event
5
outward display of feeling or support
When someone shows a feeling or support by what they do.
Synonyms
display (Neutral; can refer to any visible presentation.)
Collocations
a show of strength
|a show of support
|a show of unity
Themes
emotions
|communication
|relationships
Examples
- The protest was a powerful show of unity.
- His apology was just for show.
- They made a big show of helping him.
Learner examples
- The party was a big show of love.
- The parade was a show of pride.
- It was only for show.
Grammar
Dictionary form
show
IPA
GB/ʃˈoʊ/
US/ʃˈoʊ/
Syllables & stress
show (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (show)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: show
- Plural: shows
Verb
- Base: show
- 3rd Person Singular: shows
- Present Participle: showing
- Past: showed
- Past Participle: shown
Word family
Forms
shows
noun
showing
verb
showed
verb
shown
verb
Related words
showcase
noun B2
showroom
noun
Negative and opposite forms
hide
verb A2
Advanced or less common
Highlights
- Irregular past participle: shown Verb
Expressions
all talk and no show
1/ˈɔl tˈɔk ˈænd nˈoʊ ʃˈoʊ/
idiom
informal
talking without visible action or result
When someone says they will do things but never does them in a way people can see.
Examples
- He's all talk and no show when it comes to helping out.
- They promised big changes but were all talk and no show.
on show
1/ˈɔn ʃˈoʊ/
fixed phrase
publicly displayed for viewing
Being in a place where people can look at it.
Examples
- The paintings are now on show at the gallery.
- Her work will be on show next month.
show off
1/ʃˈoʊ ˈɔf/
phrasal verb
informal
display abilities or possessions proudly
To try to make people notice and admire what you have or can do.
Examples
- He's always showing off his new car.
- She likes to show off her cooking skills.
show up
1/ʃˈoʊ ˈʌp/
phrasal verb
arrive where expected or arranged
To arrive at a place where people are waiting for you.
Examples
- He finally showed up an hour late.
- Only three people showed up for the meeting.
steal the show
1/stˈil ðə ʃˈoʊ/
idiom
informal
Attract all attention and praise
To get all the attention and praise in an event or performance, even more than others expected to get it.
Examples
- Her performance completely stole the show.
- Her performance completely stole the show at the festival.
- The little boy's dance stole the show at the wedding.
- The comedian's jokes stole the show during the awards ceremony.