Demonstrative DEMONSTRATIVE, a. 1. Showing or proving by certain
evidence; having the power of demonstration; invincibly conclusive;
as a demonstrative argument, or demonstrative reasoning. 2. Having
the power of showing with clearness and certainty; as a demonstrative
figure in painting.
demonstrative
adj 1: given to or marked by the open expression of emotion; "an
affectionate and demonstrative family" [ant:
undemonstrative]
2: serving to demonstrate [syn: demonstrative, illustrative]
n 1: a pronoun that points out an intended referent [syn:
demonstrative pronoun, demonstrative]
demonstrative I. adjectiveDate: 14th century 1.a. demonstrating as real or true b. characterized or
established by demonstration
2. pointing out the one referred to and distinguishing it from
others of the same class <demonstrative pronouns> 3.a. marked by display of feeling b. inclined to display
feelings openly
• demonstrativelyadverb • demonstrativenessnounII. nounDate: 15th century
a demonstrative word or morpheme
demonstrative adj. & n. --adj. 1 given to or marked by an open expression of feeling, esp. of affection (a very demonstrative person). 2 (usu. foll. by of) logically conclusive; giving
proof (the work is demonstrative of their skill). 3 a serving to point out or exhibit. b involving esp. scientific demonstration (demonstrative technique). 4 Gram. (of an adjective or pronoun)
indicating the person or thing referred to (e.g. this, that, those). --n. Gram. a demonstrative adjective or pronoun. Derivatives: demonstratively adv. demonstrativeness
n. Etymology: ME f. OF demonstratif -ive f. L demonstrativus (as DEMONSTRATION)
demonstrative
(demonstratives)
Someone who is demonstrative shows affection freely and openly.
We came from the English tradition of not being demonstrative.≠ reserved
ADJ
• demonstratively
In grammar, the words 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' are sometimes called
demonstratives.
Some children respond more demonstratively than others.ADV; N-COUNT
demonstrative
dɪˈmɔnstrətɪv adj. & n. --adj. 1 given to or marked by
an open expression of feeling, esp. of affection (a very demonstrative
person). 2 (usu. foll. by of) logically conclusive; giving proof (the work
is demonstrative of their skill). 3 a serving to point out or exhibit. b
involving esp. scientific demonstration (demonstrative technique). 4
Gram. (of an adjective or pronoun) indicating the person or thing referred
to (e.g. this, that, those). --n. Gram. a demonstrative adjective or
pronoun. øødemonstratively adv. demonstrativeness n. [ME f. OF demonstratif
-ive f. L demonstrativus (as DEMONSTRATION)]
Demonstrative \De*mon"stra*tive\, a. [F. d['e]monstratif, L.
demonstrativus.]
1. Having the nature of demonstration; tending to
demonstrate; making evident; exhibiting clearly or
conclusively. ``Demonstrative figures.'' --Dryden.
An argument necessary and demonstrative. --Hooker.
2. Expressing, or apt to express, much; displaying feeling or
sentiment; as, her nature was demonstrative.
3. Consisting of eulogy or of invective. ``Demonstrative
eloquence.'' --Blair.
Demonstrative pronoun (Gram.), a pronoun distinctly
designating that to which it refers.
demonstrative
dɪˈmɔnstrətɪv adj.
1 open, unrestrained, unconstrained, unreserved, expansive, effusive, emotional, warm,
tender, affectionate, loving: Pat is quite demonstrative, often causing me to blush.
2 illustrative, indicative, representative, probative, evidential; provable, evident: Her
point was proved by several demonstrative arguments. The hostility of these few is demonstrative
of what to expect of the entire group.
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