showing - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
showing Word Meanings
- excessively noticeable or ornate
- intended to attract attention
- flashy or ostentatious
showing Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
showing Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈʃəʊ.i/
US
/ˈʃoʊ.i/
showing Word Etymology
showy = show + -y; From Middle English 'showen' (to display) → Old English 'sceawian' → English. Imagine a peacock fanning out its colorful feathers in a display to impress others, which exemplifies being 'showy'.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Showy is an adjective describing things or behavior that are deliberately flashy, ornate, or designed to attract attention. It often conveys a mildly negative sense, implying excess rather than taste, practicality, or understated elegance. When something is described as showy, it tends to prioritize spectacle over subtlety, aiming to impress others rather than to serve a simple function well. The term is commonly used about clothing, décor, stage performances, or displays that rely on bold color, shiny surfaces, or dramatic embellishments. In everyday speech, a showy style may be criticized as gaudy, ostentatious, or vain, even when the object itself works effectively.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Showy describes deliberate display, not necessarily high quality.
- 2) It often carries a critical tone.
- 3) Compare with flashy or ostentatious to choose the right nuance.
- 4) Consider context: fashion and decor may feel different from behavior.
- 5) Pair with a calm noun to soften tone if you want praise.
Common Misconceptions
- Showy means elegant or tasteful
- Showy is always negative
- It only describes clothing
- If something works well, it cannot be showy
- Showy is a formal academic term
Thinking Differences
Showy often signals deliberate display over substance; English speakers use it to critique style choices as excessive or performative.
Learning Tips
- Recognize the negative nuance in most contexts
- Compare showy with flashy and ostentatious to choose the right shade
- Note when it describes people vs. things
- Watch for cultural cues about taste and restraint
- Practice with synonyms and opposites to deepen nuance
- Use in non-judgmental reports to avoid sounding harsh
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'showing'?
A.Eating
B.Running
C.Displaying
D.Sleeping
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'showing' used correctly?
A.They are showing a movie.
B.She is showing to the store.
C.He is showing to the park.
D.I am showing a book.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'showing'?
A.Revealing
B.Hiding
C.Ignoring
D.Forgetting
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an antonym of 'showing'?
A.Concealing
B.Exposing
C.Displaying
D.Manifesting
Step 5: Mastery
How would you use the word 'showing' in a real-life situation?
A.Showing someone directions
B.Describing a movie plot
C.Showing emotions through art
D.Showing a hidden talent
Related Listening
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