What does demonstrative mean?
"Demonstrative" functions both as an adjective describing open emotional expression and as a grammatical term for words like "this" and "that". When applied to people or behaviour, it suggests someone unafraid to show affection, enthusiasm, or grief publicly — a quality some cultures prize and others find uncomfortable. In grammar, demonstratives point to specific things: "these shoes" versus "those shoes". A third sense describes evidence or proof that convincingly demonstrates a conclusion. The word derives from Latin "demonstrativus", from "demonstrare" (to point out), which also gives us "demonstrate", "demonstration", and ultimately "monster" — originally an omen or sign pointed out by the gods. Understanding "demonstrative" enriches both everyday conversation about personality and technical discussion of how language works.
Openly showing feelings and emotions without restraint or reserve; also serving as proof or demonstration of something.
"He grew up in a warm, demonstrative household where hugs were routine."
A word such as "this", "that", "these", or "those" used to indicate a specific person, thing, or idea in grammar and linguistics.
"In "Give me those," the word "those" is a demonstrative."
Demonstratives can function as determiners (modifying a noun) or as standalone pronouns.
Used only for the noun sense referring to multiple grammatical pointing words.
"English has just four primary demonstratives: this, that, these, and those."
Every time you say "this" or "that", you're using a demonstrative — the pointing words of English that have been guiding attention since Old English.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of demonstrative
The word comes from Latin "demonstrativus", derived from "demonstrare" meaning "to point out" or "to show clearly". It entered English in the late Middle Ages via Old French, initially carrying its grammatical sense relating to pointing words. The Latin root "monstrare" (to show) shares origins with "monster" — originally meaning a divine warning or omen shown to people. Cognates include French "démonstratif" and Italian "dimostrativo".
Related word forms
How demonstrative is actually used
When describing people, "demonstrative" is neutral to slightly positive but can carry an implication of excessive emotional display in formal contexts. In linguistics, "demonstrative determiners" (this book) are distinguished from "demonstrative pronouns" (this is mine).
Easily confused with demonstrative
"Demographic" relates to population statistics, while "demonstrative" means openly expressive of emotion or serving as a grammatical pointer word.