To display something or someone proudly, often in a way designed to impress others.
To try to make people notice and admire you or something you have.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To behave in a way designed to impress others, often by displaying one's abilities or possessions.
"He was clearly showing off in front of the new students, doing tricks on his skateboard."
I was just showing off. I do that sometimes.
— J.D. Salinger, 'The Catcher in the Rye' (1951)
To display something or someone proudly so that others can admire it.
"She couldn't wait to show off her new engagement ring to her colleagues."
He was showing off his new purchase.
— Charles Dickens, 'Great Expectations' (1861) — paraphrased
To present or highlight something in a way that shows its best qualities (often used of design, photography, or fashion).
"The lighting in the gallery was designed to show off the paintings to their best advantage."
Can be used transitively ('show off your skills') or intransitively ('stop showing off!'). Often carries a mildly negative connotation of vanity or attention-seeking, but can also be neutral or positive. Very commonly used by children and about children.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "show off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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