demonstration

Pronunciation

• IPA: /dɛmənˈstɹeɪʃən/^[1]

Etymology

It is inherited from Middle English demonstracioun, borrowed from Old French demonstration and directly from Latin dēmōnstrātiō, dēmōnstrātiōnem,^[2][3][4] from dēmōnstrāre, to point out, indicate, figuratively to prove (see demonstrate),^[2][5] from dē-, entirely, and mōnstrāre, to point out, show (compare monster),^[2] which Etymonline traces to Proto-Indo-European *men-, to think.^[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

Proof that something is true, by reasoning or practical experiment: about 1374 in the OED, the late 14th century in Etymonline.^[6][2]

Semantic evolution

Showing forth or making known is from 1393,^[6] and an illustration or sign from 1559.^[6] The exhibition and explanation of practical operations is by 1807.^[2] A public show of feeling by many people in support of a political or social cause, at first usually a mass meeting and procession, is from 1839;^[2] the NODE dates this sense to the mid-19th century.^[5] An outward show of feeling is from 1873.^[6]

Timeline

• c. 1374 – a proof.^[6]
• 1393 – a showing.^[6]
• 1559 – an illustration.^[6]
• 1807 – a practical exhibition.^[2]
• 1839 – a public demonstration.^[2]
• 1873 – a show of feeling.^[6]

Modern meaning

Noun

1. A public display of group opinion, such as a rally or march.
2. A practical illustration or explanation of how something works.
3. Conclusive evidence; proof.
4. An outward show of feeling.
5. The act of demonstrating.

Word family

• demonstrational
• demonstrationist
• counterdemonstration
• redemonstration

Related words

• demonstrable
• demonstrate
• demonstrator
• monster
• demo
• remonstrate

References

1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
3. ^ Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
4. ^ Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles (2002), 5th ed., ed. William R. Trumble and Angus Stevenson, Oxford: Oxford University Press
5. ^ a b Pearsall, Judy, ed. (1998), The New Oxford Dictionary of English, Oxford: Clarendon Press
6. ^ a b c d e f g h Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press