demonstrative

[ duh-mon-struh-tiv ]

adjective

1. characterized by or given to open exhibition or expression of one's emotions, attitudes, etc., especially of love or affection:

   She wished her fiancé were more demonstrative.

2. serving to demonstrate; explanatory or illustrative.
3. serving to prove the truth of anything; indubitably conclusive.
4. Grammar. indicating or singling out the thing referred to. This is a demonstrative pronoun.

noun

1. Grammar. a demonstrative word, as this or there.

demonstrative

/ dɪˈmɒnstrətɪv /

adjective

1. tending to manifest or express one's feelings easily or unreservedly
2. postpositivefoll byof serving as proof; indicative
3. involving or characterized by demonstration

   a demonstrative lecture

4. conclusive; indubitable

   demonstrative arguments

5. See relative, interrogative
   grammar denoting or belonging to a class of determiners used to point out the individual referent or referents intended, such as this, that, these, and those Compare interrogative relative

noun

1. grammar a demonstrative word or construction

Derived Forms

• deˈmonstratively, adverb
• deˈmonstrativeness, noun

Other Words From

• de·monstra·tive·ly adverb
• de·monstra·tive·ness noun
• nonde·monstra·tive adjective
• nonde·monstra·tive·ly adverb
• nonde·monstra·tive·ness noun
• prede·monstra·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of demonstrative¹

1350–1400; Middle English demonstratif (< Middle French ) < Latin dēmonstrātīvus, equivalent to dēmonstrāt ( us ) ( demonstrate ) + -īvus -ive

Example Sentences

Grown-up giraffes just aren’t huggy, cuddling, demonstrative animals.

From Science News

There is something about a clown that stays with people: the bright colors, their tendency to be demonstrative.

From The Daily Beast

A decade ago, Junger says, he would not have departed from a strict journalistic style to be demonstrative about himself.

From The Daily Beast

Walking with arms encircling waists, or such demonstrative tokens of love, are marks of low breeding.

From Project Gutenberg

But perhaps you are a chemist, and proud, as most chemists are, of the accuracy attainable in that most demonstrative science.

From Project Gutenberg

A cold reserve on Frederick's part had succeeded the demonstrative affection that had formerly existed between mother and son.

From Project Gutenberg

Asused here in its demonstrative meaning, to introduce a parenthetical clause.

From Project Gutenberg

She was preternaturally animated and demonstrative at the station—your sex's little guileful way ever since the world began.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• candid
• effusive
• outspoken