demonstrative Definition
de·mon·stra·tive (di män′strə tiv; also dem′ən strā′tiv)
adjective
- that demonstrates or shows; illustrative
- giving convincing evidence or conclusive proof: usually with of
- having to do with demonstration
- showing feelings openly and frankly
- Gram. pointing out; specifying “this” is a demonstrative pronoun
Etymology: ME & OFr demonstratif < L demonstrativus: see demonstrate
noun
Gram. a demonstrative pronoun or adjective
demonstrative Related Forms
demonstrative Synonyms
demonstrative
modif.
Showing feelings openly
effusive, unreserved, expansive, affectionate; see effusive, expressive, loving.Conclusive
decisive, specific, convincing; see conclusive, definite 2.Illustrative
expressive, descriptive, indicative; see explanatory, illustrative.
demonstrative Usage Examples
Converse of object
contain: They are descriptions containing demonstratives whose uses refer to whatever pattern is instantiated by the demonstrated token.
Adjective modifier
old: The outstanding feature of ER demonstratives is their renewed composition: new consonantal roots are preposed to the older demonstratives.
Modifies a noun
- pronoun: Such demonstrative pronouns tend to refer to a statement or abstract idea rather than to a specific noun.
- adjective: Demonstrative adjectives: These will usually " point out " the individual idea or object to which a word refers.
- concept: The question Campbell asks is what justifies our use of a demonstrative concept to refer to a particular object.
- evidence: Walsh, A ( 1995 ) " Demonstrative Evidence: ' A Picture Paints a Thousand Words ' " 6 Computers and Law 28.
- reasoning: They considered symbolic logic as an aid to achieving strictly accurate demonstrative reasoning.
- proof: The burning bush is nothing special, unusual yes, but in itself not a demonstrative proof of God's existence.
Modifying Another Word
- too: She related well to adults, very affectionate, even too demonstrative, which still applies.
- very: If you are not very demonstrative, you will give the appearance of emotional indifference.
- not: Mike and Mary Heath are admirably hospitable and a most affectionate but not demonstrative couple.
- overly: You may be afraid of showing your true feelings and are unlikely to be overly demonstrative in public.
- somewhat: Aunt Queenie, a lesser witch, somewhat demonstrative and ill-advised, gave well-taken opportunities to Betty Elliott.
Used with adjective complement
become: At times we became too demonstrative, perhaps when a lady visitor had called to see Grandmother.
Browse dictionary entries near demonstrative
- ‹ demonstration
- ‹ demonstrate
- ‹ demonstrable
- ‹ demonology
- ‹ demonolatry
- ‹ demono-
- ‹ demonize
- ‹ demonism
- ‹ demonic
- ‹ demoniac
- demonstrative evidence ›
- demonstrator ›
- demoralization ›
- demoralize ›
- demoralized ›
- demos ›
- Demosthenes ›
- demote ›
- demotic ›
- demount ›

