show-n; 8 Senses

Sense Number 1: a real display or demonstration of some action, trait or skill

Commentary: SHOW[+activity][+display][+genuine]
NOTE: often occurs as SHOW OF NP

Examples:
The athletes put on a great show of skill at the Olympics.
The Security Council is hoping for a show of strength among the member nations.
Mary thinks her neighbor bought the Hummer just for show. (pejorative use, ostentation)
John admired the black Mercedes in the show window.

Mappings:
PropBank: show.02
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 2e

Sense Number 2: a performance, entertainment

Commentary: SHOW[+event][+social][+performance]

Examples:
My parents enjoyed the show last night.
He went into show business at an early age.
We saw some great shows in London.
There was a fantastic show of fireworks over the harbor.
The toddler put on quite a show when his mother made him sit down in his seat. (figurative)
Bill really likes the show girls in Las Vegas.

Mappings:
PropBank: show.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 3: an insincere display of attitude, skill or trait, a pretense

Commentary: SHOW[+activity][+display][+insincere]

Examples:
He makes a show of friendship, but never really means it.
Their show of reconciliation turned out to be a ruse.
Although her heart was breaking, Sally put on a show of carefree whimsy at the party.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 4

Sense Number 4: an exhibition related to a specific interest or business

Commentary: SHOW[+event][+social][+exhibition]

Examples:
We are all attending the computer trade show next week.
Bob's son rides in all the local horse shows.
Jane's poodles were show dogs.
Let's take the afternoon off and go to the Flower Show.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 5a, 5b

Sense Number 5: a complex undertaking or affair

Commentary: SHOW[+activity][+undertaking]
NOTE: informal usage

Examples:
Jackie ran the whole show before they hired Steve and Diane.
You should be aware that he likes to run the show around here.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 7

Sense Number 6: a physical indication of a geological resource, e.g. oil, gas, ore

Commentary: SHOW[+physical][+substance][+geological]

Examples:
There was no show of either oil or natural gas after some exploratory drilling.
They found a show of silver in the Colorado mine.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 8

Sense Number 7: an opportunity or chance

Commentary: SHOW[+state][+opportunity]

Examples:
The venture capitalists are giving John a show next week.
The employer gave him a show despite his poor educational background.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 8: 3rd prize in a competition

Commentary: SHOW[+role][+placement][+third]

Examples:
My Pekingese got a show, and my aunt's Terrier got a win.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 9