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

Other Word Forms

• demonstrational adjective
• demonstrationist noun
• counterdemonstration noun
• predemonstration noun
• redemonstration noun
• subdemonstration noun
• superdemonstration noun
• undemonstrational 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

Humanoid robots make for great demonstration shows and even better headlines.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Roberge said the limits on public prayer were in reaction to recent protests in the province, where there has been debate over groups praying at pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Read more on BBC

Similar demonstrations were conducted in 16 states across Mexico.

Read more on Barron's

Denning volunteers with East Pasadena Community Defense Corner, a group that runs patrols for ICE activity in the area, and hoped that Saturday’s demonstration would “create a little mischief” and increase awareness.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This, it said, would be "facilitated by the confusion caused by the demonstration called by his son".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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