Demonstrative Meaning
/dɪˈmɒn.stɹə.tɪv/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjThat serves to demonstrate, show or prove.
adjGiven to open displays of emotion.
Sentence Examples
"This" and "that" are English demonstrative pronouns.
Mary came from a very physically demonstrative family.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The puppy was very ____, wagging its tail and licking my hand.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Words such as "this" and "those" function as ____ adjectives, indicating specific items.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English demonstratif, from Middle French démonstratif, from Latin dēmōnstrātīvus. Equivalent to demonstrate + -ive.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"an argument necessary and demonstrative"
— [1594], Richard Hooker, edited by J[ohn] S[penser], Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, […], London: […] Iohn Windet, […], →OCLC, (please specify the page):
"demonstrative eloquence"
— 1783, Hugh Blair, Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres:
"He had rather a contempt for demonstrative people, arising from his medical insight into the consequences to health of uncontrolled feeling."
— 1865, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, Wives and Daughters, Chapter III:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The puppy was very ____, wagging its tail and licking my hand.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Words such as "this" and "those" function as ____ adjectives, indicating specific items.