Definition

1. Noun:
   • A public expression of group opinion, often political: An organized public march or gathering to show support for or protest against something.
   • An act of showing and explaining how something works: A practical exhibition and explanation of the function, merits, or use of a product, process, or idea.
   • Proof or clear evidence: An act of proving something logically or making something evident through argument or evidence.
   • A military show of force: A display of military power intended as a warning or threat without engaging in full combat.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The students organized a peaceful demonstration against the new policy.
  • The salesperson gave a demonstration of the new software's features.
  • His recovery is a clear demonstration of the treatment's effectiveness.
  • The naval exercises were a demonstration of the country's military readiness.

Advanced Usage

• "To hold/stage a demonstration": To organize and carry out a public protest or rally.
  • The union plans to hold a demonstration outside the factory gates.
• "Proof by demonstration": Proving something by showing it in action or through practical example.
  • He provided proof by demonstration, showing the machine's flaw in real time.

Variants and Related Words

• Demonstrate (verb): To show clearly, to prove, or to take part in a public protest.
  • She will demonstrate the correct procedure.
  • Thousands gathered to demonstrate for climate action.
• Demonstrative (adjective): Tending to show feelings openly; serving as conclusive proof.
  • He is very demonstrative with his affection.
  • The data was demonstrative of a clear trend.
• Demonstrator (noun): A person who takes part in a public protest; a person who shows how a product works.
  • The demonstrators marched through the city center.
  • A product demonstrator was giving out free samples at the store.

Synonyms

• Protest: An expression of disapproval, often in a public form.
• Exhibition: A public display of works of art, items of interest, or skills.
• Illustration: An example serving to explain or prove something.
• Manifestation: An event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something.

Related Phrases

• Demonstration effect: The influence that the visible success or adoption of a product, idea, or behavior has on others.
  • The new car's popularity had a strong demonstration effect on the neighbors.
• Demonstration project: A pilot project designed to show the feasibility or benefits of a new idea or technology.
  • The city launched a demonstration project for renewable energy in public housing.

Idioms

• A demonstration of force: A show of military strength intended to intimidate or deter.
  • The fleet's deployment was a clear demonstration of force to the neighboring country.
• To be a demonstration of something: To serve as a clear example or proof of a particular quality.
  • Her dedication is a demonstration of true leadership.

Noun

1. a visual presentation showing how something works
   • the lecture was accompanied by dramatic demonstrations
   • the lecturer shot off a pistol as a demonstration of the startle response
2. proof by a process of argument or a series of proposition proving an asserted conclusion
3. a public display of group feelings (usually of a political nature)
   • there were violent demonstrations against the war
4. a show of military force or preparedness
   • he confused the enemy with feints and demonstrations
5. a show or display; the act of presenting something to sight or view
   • the presentation of new data
   • he gave the customer a demonstration