demonstrate English · revision 6896

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=1548|origins=la demonstro}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈdɛm.ənˌstɹeɪt/^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[bor|la|demonstratus]], the past participle of [[m|la|demonstro|alt=dēmōnstrāre|t=to point out, show; prove]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(SOED 2002) from [[m|la|de-|t=entirely]] and [[m|la|monstro|alt=mōnstrāre|t=to show]], from [[m|la|monstrum|t=divine omen, wonder]] (see [[monster]]).^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) It may also be a back-formation from [[demonstration]], which is older (about 1380).^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ To point out, indicate, exhibit: 1548 in MWU, 1552 in the OED and Barnhart.^(MWU 2024)^(OED 1989)^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The first sense is obsolete.^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002) To prove by argument or deduction is from the 1570s,^(Etymonline) and to show or display (feelings) from 1599.^(OED 1989) To show how something works, as to customers or students, is from 1683.^(Etymonline) To take part in a public demonstration for a cause is by 1888.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1548 – to point out.^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1570s – to prove by argument.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1599 – to show, display.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1683 – to explain by examples.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1888 – to protest publicly.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Verb===

+ # To show clearly by evidence or reasoning; to [[prove]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To show how something works or is done.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To show or [[display]] a feeling or quality.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To take part in a public protest or march.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[demonstratedly]]

+ * [[undemonstrated]]

+ * [[counterdemonstrate]]

+ * [[demonstrative]]

+ * [[demonstrator]]

+ * [[redemonstrate]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[demo]]

+ * [[demonstrable]]

+ * [[demonstration]]

+ * [[monster]]

+ * [[monstrance]]

+ * [[remonstrate]]

+ * [[muster]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}