Language Point 4

They didn't have to talk about it — they demonstrated this truth by their life style. (Para. 1)

Meaning: My grandparents didn't have to explain the saying; their life style just proved how true the saying is.

demonstrate: vt. 1. show clearly

The teacher demonstrated how to make the experiment.

老师演示了如何做这个实验。

The company demonstrated its new solar power system before a large audience.

公司在一大群观众面前演示了新的太阳能系统。

The amount of sickness in this district demonstrates that the water pollution levels are too high.

这地区疾病之多说明这里水污染太严重了。

When "demonstrate" is used in the sense of taking part in a march, it is an intransitive verb.

vi. 2. take part in a march or meeting to protest or to make demands

An angry crowd demonstrated in front of the mayor's office for more protection of the environment.

一群愤怒的人群在市长办公室前示威，要求加大环境保护的力度。

A large group of people were demonstrating in front of the factory, which had polluted the river.

一大群人在工厂门口抗议该厂污染了河流。