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

• demonstrationist noun
• demonstrational adjective
• 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

A demonstration plant in Colorado, which could produce 500 tonnes of iron annually, is currently set to open next year.

From BBC

Since the demonstrations began, Indonesian police have used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets against protesters, some of whom have lobbed back Molotov cocktails and rocks.

From Los Angeles Times

His arrest led to a wave of demonstrations outside The Bell Hotel, where Kebatu was staying as an asylum seeker.

From BBC

The charges relate to public gatherings held in London, Manchester and Cardiff that took place over the summer, as well as a planned demonstration this weekend in London.

From BBC

Similar to the current demonstrations, women took a stand against Suharto's authoritarian rule leading up to the 1998 reform movement.

From BBC

Related Words

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