monstrare

Monstrare is a Latin verb meaning to show, point out, demonstrate, or instruct. It is a first-conjugation verb with the principal parts monstro, monstrare, monstravi, monstratum, illustrating its standard formation and meaning. In the present active system the forms are monstro, monstras, monstrat, monstramus, monstratis, monstrant, and the infinitive is monstrare. As a member of the first conjugation, its imperfect, future, and other tenses follow the typical endings of that class.

Usage and syntax commonly involve a direct object in the accusative, indicating what is shown, and a dative indirect object when specifying to whom it is shown. For example, Librum tibi monstrabo means I will show the book to you. Monstrare can also convey the sense of demonstrating or making something clear, especially in didactic, rhetorical, or legal contexts. In combination with other particles or clauses, it can carry nuances of signaling or proving a point.

Etymology and related forms: monstrare shares its root with monstr- (“to show”) and is related to the noun monstrum, which originally meant omen or portent and later came to mean monster. The verb appears in related forms such as monstratus (shown, demonstrated) and in the related verb demonstrare (to demonstrate, to point out), formed with the prefix de- and serving as the source of the English word demonstrate. Monstrare thus occupies a foundational place in Latin for “to show” and its derivatives in later vocabulary.