demonstration
Meaning
An act of showing or explaining how something works or is done.
A public meeting or march expressing strong protest or opposition on a particular issue.
An act of showing a feeling or quality.
Structure
Usage
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.
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
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.