showing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “showing” mean?
The act of presenting something to be seen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of presenting something to be seen; a display or exhibition.
A performance or result that demonstrates a particular quality or level of ability; evidence or indication of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'showing' is commonly used for film screenings (e.g., 'the 8pm showing'). In US English, 'showing' is also used for real estate viewings (e.g., 'a house showing'), though 'open house' is more specific. Both use it for art exhibitions.
Connotations
Generally neutral in both varieties. In business contexts, 'showing' can imply a measured result (e.g., 'strong showing in the polls').
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to its use in cinema/theatre contexts. In US English, 'screening' is a common alternative for films.
Grammar
How to Use “showing” in a Sentence
[have/give] a showing of [something][make/put on] a showing[attend/see] a showing[be] a showing of [quality]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “showing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is showing her portfolio to the gallery owner.
- The data is showing a clear trend.
American English
- He's showing the house to potential buyers.
- The poll is showing a tight race.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a pure adverb; typically part of phrasal verbs or compounds) He was openly showing off his new car.
American English
- (Rare) She was outwardly showing her disapproval.
adjective
British English
- The showing times are listed in the brochure.
- We have a showing appointment at three.
American English
- Check the showing schedule online.
- The showing agent will meet us there.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to performance metrics or results, e.g., 'The company made a strong showing in Q4.'
Academic
Used for presentations of research or data, e.g., 'The study's showing was statistically significant.'
Everyday
Common for entertainment and events, e.g., 'We caught the late showing of the film.'
Technical
In art/design: a curated exhibition. In real estate: a scheduled property viewing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “showing”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “showing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “showing”
- Using 'showing' as a verb (it's a gerund/noun). Incorrect: 'He is showing the painting' – correct but that's the verb 'to show'. The noun: 'He attended the showing of the painting.'
- Confusing 'showing' with 'showroom'. A showing is an event; a showroom is a permanent space.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a noun (gerund) derived from the verb 'show'. In sentences like 'He is showing the house', 'showing' is the present participle of the verb. As a noun: 'We attended the showing.'
An 'exhibition' is typically a larger, more formal, and often longer-lasting display. A 'showing' can be a single event, a screening, or a one-time presentation, often smaller or more private.
Yes, commonly to describe a team's or athlete's performance in a competition, e.g., 'a strong showing in the championship' or 'a poor showing in the first half.'
It often refers to results or performance indicators. E.g., 'The company made a solid showing in the Asian market' or 'The sales figures are a good showing for the new strategy.'
The act of presenting something to be seen.
Showing is usually neutral to formal in register.
Showing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃəʊɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃoʊɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make a good/poor showing”
- “put up a good showing”
- “by all showings”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SHOW + ING – it's the ongoing action of putting on a SHOW for people to see.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING (e.g., 'The data is showing us the truth')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'showing' LEAST likely to be used?