1 demonstrative | Definition of demonstrative
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demonstrative

adjective
de·​mon·​stra·​tive | \ di-ˈmĂ€n(t)-strə-tiv How to pronounce demonstrative (audio) \

Definition of demonstrative

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : demonstrating as real or true
b : characterized or established by demonstration
2 grammar : pointing out the one referred to and distinguishing it from others of the same class (as in that in "that house") demonstrative pronouns demonstrative adjectives
3a : marked by display of feeling made a demonstrative gesture
b : inclined to display feelings openly a demonstrative preacher

demonstrative

noun

Definition of demonstrative (Entry 2 of 2)

grammar
: a word or morpheme pointing out the one referred to and distinguishing it from others of the same class : a demonstrative (see demonstrative entry 1 sense 2) word or morpheme the demonstratives "this," "that," "these," and "those"
Other Words from demonstrative Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about demonstrative

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Other Words from demonstrative

Adjective

demonstratively adverb
demonstrativeness noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for demonstrative

Synonyms: Adjective

effusive, emotional, touchy-feely, uninhibited, unreserved, unrestrained

Antonyms: Adjective

inhibited, reserved, restrained, undemonstrative, unemotional

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Examples of demonstrative in a Sentence

Adjective

 In the phrase “this is my hat,” the word “this” is a demonstrative pronoun. In the phrase “give me that book,” the word “that” is a demonstrative adjective.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

 That gave way to the simpler—and much more demonstrative—red challenge flag. — SI.com, "A History of Football in 100 Objects," 28 Aug. 2019 Some listened dreamily with eyes closed; some squirmed, others were completely ecstatic, entranced; still others were demonstrative, ringing [sic] their hands and moaning softly in obvious bids for attention. — Los Angeles Times, "From the Archives: Frank Sinatra at the Hollywood Bowl," 13 Aug. 2019 In profile, a demonstrative rising character line defines the shoulder line and rides just above a cove effect between the pronounced wheel wells. — Arv Voss, Houston Chronicle, "BMW launches first-ever X7," 23 Aug. 2019 Sanders' South Carolina communications director Michael Wukela says the senator's bump is demonstrative of the work their team is putting in on the ground with tours across the Low country, phone banking, and canvassing. — Caitlin Conant, CBS News, "2020 Daily Trail Markers: Democrats take aim at Trump over Hong Kong," 14 Aug. 2019 Age: 27 | World ranking: 44 | Best British Open finish: T5, 2016 Deliciously demonstrative Brit might be the funniest watch in all of professional golf. — Daniel Rapaport, SI.com, "Ranking the Top 100 Players at the 2019 British Open," 16 July 2019 And ever the consummate entertainers, the demonstrative showmanship doesn’t disappear even when the volume knob goes down. — Joe Lynch, Billboard, "The Rolling Stones Roar Into New Jersey On No Filter Tour," 2 Aug. 2019 DiCaprio and Pitt display two kinds of masculinity: loud, demonstrative Rick, who lives for praise, and laconic, virile Cliff, who lives to be needed. — Armond White, National Review, "Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time 
 in Hollywood Is His Best Film," 26 July 2019 Her Americanness comes out in her demonstrative emotions, her outspoken insistence on honesty and individual freedom. — Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, "‘The Farewell’ dives into big family traditions, truths and a ‘good lie’," 18 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'demonstrative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of demonstrative

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for demonstrative

Adjective

Middle English demonstratyf "based on logic, pointing out (of a pronoun)," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French demonstratif, borrowed from Late Latin dēmonstrātīvus "pointing out (of a pronoun), able to prove" (Latin, "displaying—in rhetoric"), from Latin dēmonstrātus, past participle of dēmonstrāre "to indicate, show, demonstrate" + -īvus -ive

Noun

Middle English demonstratyf, borrowed from Late Latin dēmonstrātīvum, noun derivative from neuter of dēmonstrātīvus demonstrative entry 1

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More Definitions for demonstrative

demonstrative

adjective
How to pronounce demonstrative (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of demonstrative

 (Entry 1 of 2)

formal : freely and openly showing emotion or feelings
grammar : showing who or what is being referred to

demonstrative

noun

English Language Learners Definition of demonstrative (Entry 2 of 2)

: a word (such as "this," "that," "these," or "those") that tells who or what is being referred to

See the full definition for demonstrative in the English Language Learners Dictionary

demonstrative

adjective
de·​mon·​stra·​tive | \ di-ˈmĂ€n-strə-tiv How to pronounce demonstrative (audio) \

Kids Definition of demonstrative

1 : pointing out the one referred to and showing that it differs from others In “this is my dog” and “that is their dog,” “this” and “that” are demonstrative pronouns.
2 : showing feeling freely a demonstrative person

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More from Merriam-Webster on demonstrative

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for demonstrative

Spanish Central: Translation of demonstrative

Nglish: Translation of demonstrative for Spanish Speakers

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