shown - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
shown Word Meanings
- to make visible or reveal something
- to present or demonstrate
- to indicate or confirm
shown Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
shown Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ʃəʊ/
US
/ʃoʊ/
shown Word Etymology
Root decomposition: show (no clear affix) + root: 'show' from Old English 'sceawian'. Historical origin: Old English 'sceawian', from Proto-Germanic *skauwan, related to the concept of sight. Memory image: Imagine a theater stage where a curtain rises to show a beautiful scene, symbolizing revelation and visibility.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I lean in and move my hand to lift the lid, guiding a photo into the lamp's circle of light. I adjust the beam until the image sits clearly, ready to show its lines. I hold still, then feel the colors shift and the memory rise from the page. In that small, simple motion I learn how to show what matters in a conversation or lesson.
Real Context
Show is a versatile verb that means making something visible or known, presenting or demonstrating something to others, and indicating or confirming a fact or opinion. You can show a photo to someone, show a trick on stage, or show proof in a debate. It also appears in phrasal forms like show up (arrive) and show off (display proudly). In many contexts, show is followed by an object or by that-clause after show that, or by evidence: show me the money; the data show a trend. Learners should distinguish 'to show' from 'to prove' and 'to reveal' in nuance and formality.
Usage Reminders
- Use show with a direct object (show X to Y).
- Don’t confuse show with prove or confirm.
- Use show up for arriving; show off for displaying proudly.
- When presenting data, say 'the data show' or 'the data shows' depending on subject.
- Use 'show that' to introduce a clause with evidence.
Common Misconceptions
- Show is not the same as prove; it is about making something visible, not proving it beyond doubt.
- Show does not always equal tell; you can show evidence without saying it aloud.
- Show up is about arrival, not revealing something.
- Show off has a negative connotation when overused.
- Some verbs like show that require a clause follow a specific tense agreement with the subject.
Thinking Differences
In English, show often emphasizes making something visible or presenting evidence, while other languages may rely more on verbs like reveal or demonstrate; learners may overuse show, miss the nuance of proving versus displaying, and struggle with when to use show that versus show X to Y.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations with show (show up, show off, show behind, show evidence).
- Practice both transitive and intransitive uses of show.
- Distinguish show from prove; use show to reveal, prove to establish fact.
- Use 'show that' to introduce a clause with evidence.
- When talking about data, adjust the verb to agree with the subject (the data show vs shows).
- Pair show with appropriate pronouns to avoid ambiguity.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'shown'?
A.To reveal or display something
B.To hide something from view
C.To ignore someone's request
D.To destroy a piece of art
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correctly used sentence for 'shown':
A.He has shown his skills in basketball.
B.She shown me her new dress yesterday.
C.The cat was shown the door.
D.The book shown was very interesting.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym for 'shown'?
A.Exhibited
B.Concealed
C.Ignored
D.Disposed
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the antonym of 'shown'?
A.Displayed
B.Shared
C.Concealed
D.Presented
Step 5: Mastery
Think of a real-life context where the word 'shown' is relevant:
A.Can you describe a time when evidence was hidden?
B.At the museum, a painting was displayed beautifully.
C.In the presentation, the results were clearly shown.
D.During the lecture, ideas were concealed from the audience.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App