Dictionary
1demonstrative
adjective de·mon·stra·tive \di-ˈmän(t)-strə-tiv\
: freely and openly showing emotion or feelings
grammar : showing who or what is being referred to
Full Definition of DEMONSTRATIVE
1
a : demonstrating as real or true b : characterized or established by demonstration
2
: pointing out the one referred to and distinguishing it from others of the same class <demonstrative pronouns>
3
a : marked by display of feeling b : inclined to display feelings openly
— de·mon·stra·tive·ly adverb
— de·mon·stra·tive·ness noun
See demonstrative defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of DEMONSTRATIVE
14th century
Related to DEMONSTRATIVE
- Synonyms
- effusive, emotional, touchy-feely, uninhibited, unreserved, unrestrained
- Antonyms
- inhibited, reserved, restrained, undemonstrative, unemotional
2demonstrative
noun
: a word (such as “this,” “that,” “these,” or “those”) that tells who or what is being referred to
Full Definition of DEMONSTRATIVE
: a demonstrative word or morpheme
See demonstrative defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DEMONSTRATIVE
15th century
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
DEMONSTRATIVE Defined for Kids
demonstrative
adjective de·mon·stra·tive \di-ˈmän-strə-tiv\
Definition of DEMONSTRATIVE for Kids
1
: pointing out the one referred to and showing that it differs from others <In “this is my dog” and “that is their dog,” “this” and “that” are demonstrative pronouns.>
2
: showing feeling freely <a demonstrative person>
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