demo
UK[ˈdeməʊ]US[ˈdemoʊ]
n
A demonstration of a product, especially computer software or a musical recording, to show its capabilities.
n
A version of a piece of software, music, or other product, made available for trial use.
v
To demonstrate the capabilities of a product.
Morpheme Breakdown
demo
demo
show
Etymology
The word 'demo' is a 20th-century abbreviation of 'demonstration'. Its ultimate origin lies in the Latin 'demonstratio', meaning 'a pointing out or showing', which itself derives from the verb 'demonstrare' ('to point out'). 'Demonstrare' is composed of 'de-' (completely) and 'monstrare' (to show), with the latter tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root men- (to think). The semantic journey moved from the abstract concept of 'thinking' to the more concrete 'showing' or 'pointing out'. The clipped form 'demo' emerged specifically in the contexts of technology and music, retaining the core meaning of a showing or sample for evaluation.
Analysis
Structure: demo (show)
The morpheme 'demo' originates from the Greek root 'dēmos', meaning 'the people' or 'common people'. In modern English, it functions as a clipping of the word 'demonstration', carrying the core sense of 'to show'.
Examples
The developer gave a quick demo of the new game's features.
I downloaded a free demo of the software before deciding to buy it.
The band recorded a demo to send to several record labels.