demonstration
UK[ˌdemənˈstreɪʃn]US[ˌdemənˈstreɪʃn]
n
An act of showing or explaining how something works or is done.
n
A public meeting or march expressing strong protest or opposition on a particular issue.
n
An act of showing a feeling or quality.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
monstr
ation
de
completely
monstr
show
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'demonstration' originates from the Latin verb dēmonstrāre, meaning "to point out, show, or prove". This verb itself is a compound of the intensive prefix dē- ("completely") and monstrāre ("to show"), which is derived from monstrum ("portent, sign"). The core root mon- is linked to the Proto-Indo-European concept of bringing to mind or warning. Over time, the meaning evolved from the literal act of pointing something out to encompass logical proof, public exhibition, and finally, organized public protest, which is a public "showing" of opinion or dissent.
Analysis
Structure: de (completely) + monstr (show) + ation (noun suffix)
de: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "completely" or "down".
monstr: Latin origin, from the root monstrāre meaning "to show" or "to point out".
ation: Latin suffix -ātiōn-, forming nouns of action or state.
Examples
The salesperson gave a demonstration of the new vacuum cleaner's features.
A large demonstration was held outside the government building to protest the new law.
Her generous donation was a clear demonstration of her commitment to the cause.