demonstration

[ dem-uhn-strey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or circumstance of proving or being proved conclusively, as by reasoning or a show of evidence:

   a belief incapable of demonstration.

2. something serving as proof or supporting evidence:

   They sent a check as a demonstration of their concern.

3. a description or explanation, as of a process, illustrated by examples, specimens, or the like:

   a demonstration of methods of refining ore.

4. the act of exhibiting the operation or use of a device, machine, process, product, or the like, as to a prospective buyer.
5. an exhibition, as of feeling; display; manifestation:

   His demonstration of affection was embarrassing.

6. a public exhibition of the attitude of a group of persons toward a controversial issue, or other matter, made by picketing, parading, etc.
7. a show of military force or of offensive operations made to deceive an enemy.
8. Mathematics. a logical presentation of the way in which given assumptions imply a certain result; proof.

demonstration

/ ˌdɛmənˈstreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of demonstrating
2. proof or evidence leading to proof
3. an explanation, display, illustration, or experiment showing how something works
4. a manifestation of grievances, support, or protest by public rallies, parades, etc
5. a manifestation of emotion
6. a show of military force or preparedness
7. maths a logical presentation of the assumptions and equations used in solving a problem or proving a theorem

Derived Forms

• ˌdemonˈstrationist, noun
• ˌdemonˈstrational, adjective

Other Words From

• demon·stration·al adjective
• demon·stration·ist noun
• counter·demon·stration noun
• predem·on·stration noun
• redem·on·stration noun
• subdem·on·stration noun
• super·demon·stration noun
• undem·on·stration·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of demonstration¹

1325–75; Middle English demonstracioun < Latin dēmonstrātiōn- (stem of dēmonstrātiō, equivalent to dēmonstrāt ( us ) ( demonstrate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

The farmers' demonstration was best summed up in two images: real tractors being driven by farmers around Parliament Square, and beside them a collection of toy tractors being peddled around by their children.

From BBC

It is the first demonstration that optogenetics can be used to control seizure activity in living human brain tissue, and it opens the door to new treatments for other neurological diseases and conditions.

From Science Daily

On Sunday an estimated 100 protesters from a group called Twelve O Five staged a demonstration at Wembley, with banners demanding "no men in women's sport" and "save women's sport".

From BBC

If how the game ended displayed Herbert’s resilience, the first half was a demonstration of the 26-year-old quarterback’s dominance.

From Los Angeles Times

Murals have appeared across the country depicting her distinctive look of a short bob and round sunglasses, and demonstrations have taken place all over France in her support.

From BBC

Related Words

• expression
• manifestation
• presentation
• show
• test
• testimony
• trial