Meaning
- Show off means to behave in a way that is intended to attract attention, admiration, or approval.
- It can also mean to display something proudly, often to impress others.
- Sometimes it carries a negative nuance, suggesting boastfulness.
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: phrasal verb
- Verb type: transitive (show off something) or intransitive (just show off).
Patterns:
- show off + object → to display something He showed off his new phone.
- show off (no object) → to boast or act for attention She loves to show off in front of her friends.
Common Phrases
- show off your skills
- show off your talent
- show off wealth
- show off in class
Collocations
- verb + show off: love to show off, try to show off
- noun + show off: a real show-off
- adjective + show off: big show-off, natural show-off
Examples
- He always tries to show off his knowledge during meetings.
- She wore that dress to show off her figure.
- Don’t be such a show-off; nobody likes arrogance.
- The athlete showed off his new medal to the crowd.
- Kids love to show off when they learn a new trick.
- He was showing off in front of his girlfriend by driving too fast.
- The company’s booth was designed to show off its latest technology.
- She’s not a show-off; she’s just naturally talented.
Synonyms or Related
- boast
- flaunt
- parade
- brag
- display
Antonym
- hide
- conceal
- downplay