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Demonstration: meaning, definitions and examples

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demonstration

 

[ˌdɛmənˈstreɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

political

A demonstration is a public meeting or march at which people show that they are protesting against or supporting something.

Synonyms

march, protest, rally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
demonstration

Typically used in a general sense to describe an event where people gather to express their opinions or demands about a particular issue, whether it's political, social, or economic.

  • The demonstration against climate change policies drew thousands of people.
  • Students held a demonstration to demand lower tuition fees.
protest

Generally implies a strong opposition to or disapproval of an issue, decision, or policy. Often has a negative connotation as it is seen as a more confrontational action.

  • The workers held a protest against the proposed job cuts.
  • The new law sparked widespread protests.
rally

Describes a large public gathering, often more celebratory or supportive, rather than confrontational. Can be used for political, social, or sports events.

  • The political rally was attended by thousands of supporters.
  • Fans held a rally to celebrate the team's championship win.
march

Used specifically for events where people walk together on a pre-determined route to show their support for or opposition to an issue.

  • The women's march took place across several cities.
  • Activists organized a march to raise awareness about homelessness.

Examples of usage

  • The protest was organized as a peaceful demonstration against the government's decision.
  • Thousands of people took part in the demonstration to demand equal rights for all citizens.
  • The students held a demonstration in front of the university campus to raise awareness about climate change.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

A demonstration is a practical exhibition and explanation of how something works or is done.

Synonyms

exhibition, presentation, showcase.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
demonstration

This word is often used when you want to show how something works or explain a process. It can also refer to public protests or gatherings.

  • The teacher gave a demonstration on how to solve the math problem.
  • There was a large demonstration in the city center for climate action.
presentation

This word fits best when you are sharing information, ideas, or findings, usually in a structured format like in a meeting or a classroom setting.

  • She prepared a presentation for the business meeting.
  • The student gave a presentation on environmental science.
exhibition

Use this word when referring to a public display of art, products, or skills often in a formal setting like a museum or trade fair.

  • The art gallery is hosting an exhibition of modern sculptures.
  • The new tech gadgets will be showcased at the annual exhibition.
showcase

Select this word when you want to highlight or display the best features or aspects of something, often with the intent to impress.

  • The designer organized a fashion showcase to display the new collection.
  • The company will showcase their latest innovations at the tech conference.

Examples of usage

  • The company organized a demonstration of their new software for potential clients.
  • The teacher gave a demonstration on how to conduct a scientific experiment in the laboratory.
  • The chef's cooking demonstration attracted a large audience eager to learn new recipes.
Context #3 | Noun

general

A demonstration can also refer to the act of showing or proving something clearly and convincingly.

Synonyms

display, illustration, proof.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
demonstration

Often refers to a public protest or rally. Common in social and political contexts.

  • There was a large demonstration in the city center against the new law.
  • The workers organized a demonstration for better wages.
display

Refers to the act of showing something to people, often for admiration or attention. Common in museum, retail, and visual contexts.

  • The museum had a stunning display of ancient artifacts.
  • The new phone was on display at the store.
proof

Indicates evidence or verification that something is true or valid. Common in legal, scientific, and everyday contexts.

  • She provided proof of her identity.
  • The scientist gathered proof to support the theory.
illustration

Used in the context of drawing or providing a visual example to explain or decorate a text. Common in educational, artistic, and publishing contexts.

  • The book was filled with beautiful illustrations.
  • He used an illustration to explain the concept more clearly.

Examples of usage

  • The experiment provided a clear demonstration of the theory in action.
  • Her success in the competition was a perfect demonstration of her talent and hard work.
  • The documentary offered a powerful demonstration of the impact of climate change on the environment.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'demonstrare,' which means to show or point out.
  • In the 14th century, it began to be used in English, focusing on showing through examples.
  • The prefix 'de-' means 'down' or 'from,' and 'monstrare' means 'to show,' together meaning 'to show down' or 'to reveal.'

Education

  • Demonstrations are widely used in classrooms to illustrate complex concepts, helping students visually understand the material.
  • Hands-on demonstrations allow learners to engage directly, making lessons more memorable and effective.
  • In science education, experiments are a common form of demonstration that helps students grasp theoretical ideas.

Civic Engagement

  • Public demonstrations, like protests and rallies, have historically been vital for social change and political movements.
  • Famous demonstrations, such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s march on Washington, showcased the power of collective voices.
  • These events often rely on peaceful protests to demonstrate the community's needs and desires.

Technology

  • In the tech world, product demonstrations are a crucial marketing strategy, showing potential customers how a product operates.
  • Webinars and online demos help businesses reach audiences globally, allowing them to showcase services or complex systems.
  • Live coding demonstrations are popular in software development, teaching programming by showing real-time problem solving.

Art and Performance

  • In art, demonstrations by artists can inspire and educate others about techniques and styles.
  • Performance arts often incorporate demonstrations to showcase skills, such as dance or musical presentations.
  • Art workshops frequently involve live demonstrations for participants to learn directly from experienced creators.

Translations

Translations of the word "demonstration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 demonstração

🇮🇳 प्रदर्शन

🇩🇪 Demonstration

🇮🇩 demonstrasi

🇺🇦 демонстрація

🇵🇱 demonstracja

🇯🇵 デモンストレーション

🇫🇷 démonstration

🇪🇸 demostración

🇹🇷 gösteri

🇰🇷 시위

🇸🇦 عرض

🇨🇿 demonstrace

🇸🇰 demonštrácia

🇨🇳 示范

🇸🇮 demonstracija

🇮🇸 sýning

🇰🇿 демонстрация

🇬🇪 დემონსტრაცია

🇦🇿 nümayiş

🇲🇽 demostración

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,704, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.