demonstrative

¹de·mon·stra·tive

adjective \di-ˈmän(t)-strə-tiv\

Definition of DEMONSTRATIVE

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

— de·mon·stra·tive·ly adverb

— de·mon·stra·tive·ness noun

Examples of DEMONSTRATIVE

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

First Known Use of DEMONSTRATIVE

14th century

Related to DEMONSTRATIVE

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

inhibited, reserved, restrained, undemonstrative, unemotional

Related Words

dramatic, histrionic, hyperemotional, melodramatic, theatrical (also theatric); gushing, gushy, maudlin, mawkish, mushy, schmaltzy, sentimental; communicative, expansive; extroverted (also extraverted), outgoing; affectionate, feeling, intense, loving, passionate, sensitive, soulful, warm; blunt, candid, frank, outspoken, plain

Near Antonyms

constrained; quiet, reticent, silent, taciturn; bashful, modest, retiring, shy; introverted, self-directed; aloof, detached, dispassionate, emotionless, impassive, indifferent, phlegmatic, stolid, unconcerned, unfeeling; chilly, cold, frigid, glacial, hard-boiled, hard-edged, hard-hearted, icy, unfriendly

²demonstrative

noun

Definition of DEMONSTRATIVE

: a demonstrative word or morpheme

First Known Use of DEMONSTRATIVE

15th century

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile