demonstrative

1 of 2

adjective

de·​mon·​stra·​tive di-ˈmän(t)-strə-tiv How to pronounce demonstrative (audio)
1
a
: 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
3
a
: marked by display of feeling
made a demonstrative gesture
b
: inclined to display feelings openly
a demonstrative preacher
demonstratively adverb
demonstrativeness noun

demonstrative

2 of 2

noun

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"

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
Sometimes behind the physically demonstrative effort of performance there lies a gentle soul. Eric Fuller, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024 The overturning of Roe v. Wade, which was opposed by more than 60% of the public, is clearly demonstrative of this conservative agenda, and there is a broader pattern. Paul M. Collins Jr., The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024
Noun
Johnny and Ponyboy are also unusually physical demonstrative. Charles McNultytheater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for demonstrative 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demonstrative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of demonstrative was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near demonstrative

Cite this Entry

“Demonstrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demonstrative. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

demonstrative

1 of 2 adjective
de·​mon·​stra·​tive di-ˈmän(t)-strət-iv How to pronounce demonstrative (audio)
1
: characterized or established by demonstration
demonstrative reasoning
2
: indicating the one referred to and pointing it out from others of the same kind
the demonstrative pronoun "this" in "this is my hat"
the demonstrative adjective "that" in "that book"
3
: showing feeling freely
a demonstrative greeting
demonstratively adverb

demonstrative

2 of 2 noun
: a demonstrative word
especially : a demonstrative pronoun

More from Merriam-Webster on demonstrative

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