What does "demonstration" mean?
The act of demonstrating; showing or explaining something.
Demonstration
/dɛmənˈstɹeɪʃən/ noun, slang
noun, slang ·Very common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of demonstrating; showing or explaining something.
- Grammar: demonstration is listed as noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: presentation, absolute indication, actual performance, allegorization.
- Useful contrasts: no demonstration, apathy, artisan workshop.
- Usage evidence: Dozens of young people attended the demonstration.
How to use "demonstration"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "demonstration" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "demonstration" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "demonstration" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "demonstration" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "demonstration" is acting as noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "presentation" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "demonstration", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of demonstrating; showing or explaining something. countable, uncountable
"[VV]e are able with playne demonſtration to proue, and vvith reaſon to perſvvade that in tymes paſt our fayth vvas alike, that then vve preached thinges correſpondent vnto the forme of faith already published of vs, ſo that none in this behalfe can repyne or gaynesay vs."
- 2 a show or display; the act of presenting something to sight or view wordnet
- 3 The act of demonstrating; showing or explaining something.; A prisoner's act of beating up another prisoner. countable, slang, uncountable
- 4 a show of military force or preparedness wordnet
- 5 An event at which something will be demonstrated. countable, uncountable
"I have to give a demonstration to the class tomorrow, and I'm ill-prepared."
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 a public display of group feelings (usually of a political nature) wordnet
- 7 Expression of one's feelings by outward signs. countable, uncountable
- 8 proof by a process of argument or a series of proposition proving an asserted conclusion wordnet
- 9 A public display of group opinion, such as a protest march. countable, uncountable
"It's produced tremendous activism and backlash: there's been all sorts of demonstrations and mobilizations in civil society, there's been examples from the people from the Administration being heckled in a restaurant or not served in a restaurant, there's been a growing crescendo of conversation about what that means."
- 10 a visual presentation showing how something works wordnet
- 11 A show of military force. countable, uncountable
- 12 A proof. countable, uncountable
"He read the proposition. […] So he reads the demonstration of it, which referred him back to such a proposition,; which proposition he read."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Dozens of young people attended the demonstration."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "demonstration"?
Common synonyms include: presentation, absolute indication, actual performance, allegorization, alphabet, art.
How do you use "demonstration" in a sentence?
Dozens of young people attended the demonstration.
How do you pronounce "demonstration"?
Pronounced /dɛmənˈstɹeɪʃən/.
Etymology
From Middle English demonstracioun, from Old French demonstration, from Latin dēmōnstrātiōnem, from dēmōnstrāre (“show or explain”), from dē- (“of or concerning”) + mōnstrāre (“show”). Morphologically demonstrate + -ion.