demonstrative

adjective

de·​mon·​stra·​tive di-ˈmän(t)-strə-tiv 

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

Synonyms of demonstrative

• emotional
• affectionate
• effusive
• loving

Examples of demonstrative in a Sentence

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

His trademark cool was sidelined by a more demonstrative style, closer to the theatrical sensibilities of 2Pac than the muted menace that once defined him. —Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 3 June 2026

Our bond has never been loud or demonstrative. —Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026

Alamo could be somewhat demonstrative toward Bishop, too. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 1 June 2026

Both actors are incandescent and the chemistry between them is off the charts, and Calvani is even more adorable this season as the demonstrative and frank Italian who longs for his homeland. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 28 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

demonstrative

1 of 2 adjective

de·​mon·​stra·​tive di-ˈmän(t)-strət-iv 

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