demonstrative
UK/dɪ'mɒnstrətɪv/US/di'mɒnstrәtiv/
GREC2
Definitions
adj.
Openly showing feelings, especially affection
感情外露的，喜形于色的
adj.
Serving to demonstrate or prove something
起说明作用的；用于证明的
adj.
(Grammar) pointing out the person or thing meant, like 'this' or 'that'
（语法）指示的（如 this、that）
n.
(Grammar) a demonstrative word such as 'this', 'that', 'these', 'those'
（语法）指示词（this、that 等）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedde-down, away, reversal
+
-ativetending to, having the nature of
=demonstrative
From demonstrate (to show) + -ive (tending to). Its senses all keep the idea of 'showing/pointing': a demonstrative person openly shows emotion; a grammatical demonstrative (this, that) literally points at what is meant; demonstrative evidence serves to show something is so.
Root monstr still carries 8 more wordsExample Sentences
- 1.
He's not very demonstrative, but you know he cares.
- 2.
In English, 'this' and 'those' are demonstrative pronouns.
- 3.
She gave a warm, demonstrative welcome to the new arrivals.