show off

To behave or display something in a way intended to make people admire you.

• Stop showing off!
• He showed off his new car to everyone.
• Were you showing off when you did that trick?

How to use it: show something off (He showed his new watch off to his friends.); show off in front of someone (She was showing off in front of her classmates.)

Similar words: boast, brag, flaunt

Common phrases: show off something, show off skills, show off constantly

To make the attractive or impressive features of something easy to see.

• The dress shows off her figure.
• These photographs show the garden off beautifully.
• Large windows show off the view of the mountains.

How to use it: show something off (The lighting shows the paintings off beautifully.)

Similar words: highlight, display, set off

Opposites: hide, conceal

Common phrases: show off something, show off colors, show off features

To behave in a way that tries to impress people or get their attention.

• Stop showing off!
• He showed off by riding without holding the handlebars.
• Are you showing off your new phone again?

How to use it: show off to someone (He shows off to his friends.); show off something (She showed off her expensive watch.)

Similar words: boast, showboat

Common phrases: show off again, show off skills

To display something in a way that makes its good qualities easy to see.

• This dress shows off her figure.
• They showed off the new garden with a guided tour.
• Soft lighting can show the room off beautifully.

How to use it: show something off (The lights show the paintings off beautifully.)

Similar words: display, highlight

Common phrases: show off something, show off jewelry

A person who tries to impress others and get their attention.

• He is a show off.
• Nobody likes a show off who interrupts everyone.
• Was she always such a show off?

Similar words: showboat

Common phrases: a show off, such a show off