Definition of: demonstration

(dem′ən·strā′shən) noun
1. A pointing out; the act of making known.
2. An exhibition or expression; manifestation.
3. Proof by such evidence of facts, principles, and arguments as precludes denial or reasonable doubt.
4. The exhibition and description of examples in teaching an art or science.
5. A public exhibition of welcome, approval, or condemnation, as by a mass meeting or procession.
6. Logic A system of reasoning showing how, from given premises, such as definitions, axioms, postulates, a certain result must follow.
7. A show of military force or of aggressive movement, especially when intended as a feint, or in time of peace as a menace.
8. An exhibition and explanation of the fine points and workability of an article or commodity to be sold. Synonyms: certainty, conclusion, consequence, deduction, evidence, induction, inference, proof. Demonstration, in the strict and proper sense, is the highest form of proof and gives the most absolute certainty, but cannot be applied outside of pure mathematics or other strictly deductive reasoning; there can be proof and certainty, however, in matters that do not admit of demonstration. A conclusion is the absolute and necessary result of the admission of certain premises; an inference is a probable conclusion toward which known facts, statements, or admissions point, but which they do not absolutely establish; sound premises, together with their necessary conclusion, constitute a demonstration. Evidence is that which tends to show a thing to be true. Proof in the strict sense is complete, irresistible evidence; as, there was much evidence against the accused, but not amounting to proof of guilt. Moral certainty is a conviction resting on such evidence as puts a matter beyond reasonable doubt, while not so irresistible as demonstration. Compare CERTAINTY, INDUCTION, INFERENCE, PROOF.