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

Gonzalez said the DWP will soon open a small demonstration facility at the department’s complex near Griffith Park to develop treatment technologies and monitoring methods that ensure protection of public health.

From Los Angeles Times

“Landlords cannot pay fees. It’s not in their budgets and they won’t do it,” one real estate broker said at a demonstration of hundreds of real estate brokers at City Hall in June.

From Salon

State media initially praised the trend as a demonstration of young people's "passion".

From BBC

Following the protest ban, Dutch activist Frank van der Linde applied for an urgent permit so Sunday's demonstration could go ahead.

From BBC

But Weinberg’s 1985 barely known gloomy opera is also a profound demonstration of how and why misplaced power can destroy society.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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