# demonstrate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈdɛm.ənˌstɹeɪt/ · frequency rank #5,117

## Definitions
1. To show how to use (something).
2. To show the steps taken to create a logical argument or equation.
3. To participate in or organize a demonstration.
4. To show, display, or present; to prove or make evident

## Etymology
Borrowed from Latin dēmonstrātus, the perfect passive participle of dēmonstrō (“to show, point at”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Cognate with French démontrer.

## Easily confused with
- **demonstrated** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/demonstrate-vs-demonstrated)
- **demonstrator** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/demonstrate-vs-demonstrator)
- **demonstrative** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/demonstrate-vs-demonstrative)
- **demonstrable** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/demonstrable-vs-demonstrate)

## Common misspellings (17)
`ddemonstrate`, `demmonstrate`, `demnostrate`, `demonnstrate`, `demonsrtate`, `demonsstrate`, `demonstarte`, `demonstraet`, `demonstratte`, `demonstrrate`, `demonstrtae`, `demonsttrate`, `demontsrate`, `demosntrate`, `deomnstrate`, `dmeonstrate`, `edmonstrate`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/demonstrate