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Synonyms

demonstration

American  
[dem-uhn-strey-shuhn] / ˌdɛm ənˈstreɪ ʃən /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of demonstration

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After an evening lecture and demonstration of spirit rappings at a local theater, Albany’s audience was invited to book personal conversations with the spirits.

From Literature

The landlocked Himalayan nation of 30 million people will elect a new government on March 5, six months after youth-led demonstrations brought down the administration of Marxist leader KP Sharma Oli.

From Barron's

Religious organisations have held demonstrations in recent years calling for harsher punishments.

From BBC

Colonel Michael Randrianirina -- Madagascar's interim leader since the former president fled in October following demonstrations -- arrived in France less than a week after holding talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

From Barron's

Tensions grew in recent days as demonstrations gathered momentum.

From The Wall Street Journal