demonstrative Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a pronoun that points out an intended referent
    demonstrative pronoun.
  2. adjective given to or marked by the open expression of emotion
    • an affectionate and demonstrative family
  3. adjective satellite serving to demonstrate
    illustrative.

WordNet

De*mon"stra*tive adjective
Etymology
F. démonstratif, L. demonstrativus.
Definitions
  1. Having the nature of demonstration; tending to demonstrate; making evident; exhibiting clearly or conclusively. "Demonstrative figures." Dryden.
    An argument necessary and demonstrative. Hooker.
  2. Expressing, or apt to express, much; displaying feeling or sentiment; as, her nature was demonstrative.
  3. Consisting of eulogy or of invective. "Demonstrative eloquence." Blair.
De*mon"stra*tive noun
Definitions
  1. (Gram.) A demonstrative pronoun; as, "this" and "that" are demonstratives.

Webster 1913