demonstrate

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈdɛm.ənˌstɹeɪt/^[1]

Etymology

It is borrowed from Latin demonstratus, the past participle of dēmōnstrāre (“to point out, show; prove”),^[2][3][4][5] from de- (“entirely”) and mōnstrāre (“to show”), from monstrum (“divine omen, wonder”) (see monster).^[3][2] It may also be a back-formation from demonstration, which is older (about 1380).^[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

To point out, indicate, exhibit: 1548 in MWU, 1552 in the OED and Barnhart.^[4][6][2]

Semantic evolution

The first sense is obsolete.^[3][5] To prove by argument or deduction is from the 1570s,^[3] and to show or display (feelings) from 1599.^[6] To show how something works, as to customers or students, is from 1683.^[3] To take part in a public demonstration for a cause is by 1888.^[3]

Timeline

• 1548 – to point out.^[4]
• 1570s – to prove by argument.^[3]
• 1599 – to show, display.^[6]
• 1683 – to explain by examples.^[3]
• 1888 – to protest publicly.^[3]

Modern meaning

Verb

1. To show clearly by evidence or reasoning; to prove.
2. To show how something works or is done.
3. To show or display a feeling or quality.
4. To take part in a public protest or march.

Word family

• demonstratedly
• undemonstrated
• counterdemonstrate
• demonstrative
• demonstrator
• redemonstrate

Related words

• demo
• demonstrable
• demonstration
• monster
• monstrance
• remonstrate
• muster

References

1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d Barnhart, Robert K. (1988), The Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology
3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
4. ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
5. ^ a b Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles (2002), 5th ed., ed. William R. Trumble and Angus Stevenson, Oxford: Oxford University Press
6. ^ a b c Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press