2. To show, or make evident, by reasoning or proof; to prove by deduction; to establish so as to exclude
the possibility of doubt or denial.
We can not demonstrate these things so as to show that the contrary often involves a contradiction.
Tillotson. 3. (Anat.) To exhibit and explain (a dissection or other anatomical preparation).
Demonstrater
(Dem"on*stra`ter), n. See Demonstrator.
Demonstration
(Dem`on*stra"tion) n. [L. demonstratio: cf. F. démonstration.]
1. The act of demonstrating; an exhibition; proof; especially, proof beyond the possibility of doubt; indubitable
evidence, to the senses or reason.
Those intervening ideas which serve to show the agreement of any two others are called "proofs;" and
where agreement or disagreement is by this means plainly and clearly perceived, it is called demonstration.
Locke. 2. An expression, as of the feelings, by outward signs; a manifestation; a show.
Did your letters pierce the queen to any demonstration of grief?
Shak.
Loyal demonstrations toward the prince.
Prescott. 3. (Anat.) The exhibition and explanation of a dissection or other anatomical preparation.
4. (Mil.) a decisive exhibition of force, or a movement indicating an attack.
5. (Logic) The act of proving by the syllogistic process, or the proof itself.
6. (Math.) A course of reasoning showing that a certain result is a necessary consequence of assumed
premises; — these premises being definitions, axioms, and previously established propositions.
Direct, or Positive, demonstration (Logic & Math.), one in which the correct conclusion is the immediate
sequence of reasoning from axiomatic or established premises; — opposed to Indirect, or Negative,
demonstration (called also reductio ad absurdum), in which the correct conclusion is an inference from
the demonstration that any other hypothesis must be incorrect.
Demonstrative
(De*mon"stra*tive) a. [F. démonstratif, L. demonstrativus.]
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.
Demonstrative pronoun (Gram.), a pronoun distinctly designating that to which it refers.
Demonstrative
(De*mon"stra*tive), n. (Gram.) A demonstrative pronoun; as, "this" and "that" are demonstratives.
Demonstratively
(De*mon"stra*tive*ly) adv. In a manner fitted to demonstrate; clearly; convincingly; forcibly.
Demonstrativeness
(De*mon"stra*tive*ness), n. The state or quality of being demonstrative.
