demonstration
[dem-uh n-strey-shuh n]
- the act or circumstance of proving or being proved conclusively, as by reasoning or a show of evidence: a belief incapable of demonstration.
- something serving as proof or supporting evidence: They sent a check as a demonstration of their concern.
- a description or explanation, as of a process, illustrated by examples, specimens, or the like: a demonstration of methods of refining ore.
- the act of exhibiting the operation or use of a device, machine, process, product, or the like, as to a prospective buyer.
- an exhibition, as of feeling; display; manifestation: His demonstration of affection was embarrassing.
- a public exhibition of the attitude of a group of persons toward a controversial issue, or other matter, made by picketing, parading, etc.
- a show of military force or of offensive operations made to deceive an enemy.
- Mathematics. a logical presentation of the way in which given assumptions imply a certain result; proof.
Origin of demonstration
1325–75; Middle English demonstracioun < Latin dēmonstrātiōn- (stem of dēmonstrātiō, equivalent to dēmonstrāt(us) (see demonstrate) + -iōn- -ion
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for demonstration
Contemporary Examples
The reviews in themselves constitute a demonstration of why the regime restricts the Internet.
As Sarah and her sister and mother headed for the warmth of home, the demonstration continued.
Not that the demonstration had anything to do with this couple, whom Sarah seems to see as a fairy tale come to life.
The grapevine and the international media were alight with the buzz of the student killed by the police during the demonstration.
Or perhaps next September is too long to wait for a demonstration of appreciation that is already overdue.
It’s Time for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans to Get a Parade of Their OwnMichael Daly
November 11, 2014
Historical Examples
Their triumphal entry into Adelaide was a demonstration worthy of a prince.
Explorations in AustraliaJohn Forrest
I never saw so many people in my life before, nor such a demonstration.
Explorations in AustraliaJohn Forrest
To a degree that convinces myself I have made the demonstration.
The Conquest of FearBasil King
It was the fruit of experience, of knowledge, of demonstration.
The Conquest of FearBasil King
Demonstration must be personal before we can make anything our own.
The Conquest of FearBasil King
demonstration
- the act of demonstrating
- proof or evidence leading to proof
- an explanation, display, illustration, or experiment showing how something works
- a manifestation of grievances, support, or protest by public rallies, parades, etc
- a manifestation of emotion
- a show of military force or preparedness
- maths a logical presentation of the assumptions and equations used in solving a problem or proving a theorem
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for demonstration
n.
late 14c., "proof that something is true," from Old French demonstration or directly from Latin demonstrationem (nominative demonstratio), noun of action from past participle stem of demonstrare "to point out, indicate, demonstrate," figuratively, "to prove, establish," from de- "entirely" (see de-) + monstrare "to point out, show," from monstrum "divine omen, wonder" (see monster). Meaning "public show of feeling," usually with a mass meeting and a procession, is from 1839. Related: Demonstrational.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper