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DictionaryRoot: -atio
Latin

-atio

an action, process, or result

Forms

  • -atio
  • -ation- — Latin stem used outside the basic noun form.
  • -ation — Borrowed into English through French and Latin.

Origin

Latin -a-, associated with one class of verbs, plus the action-noun suffix -tio.

Note

The same formation can name either doing something or what the action produces.

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noun

demonstration

A showing that makes something evident.

The chef gives a demonstration of how to sharpen a knife.

Etymology
deLatindown, away; removal
+monstrLatinshow or point out
+ationLatinan action, process, or result

Latin de- and monstrare express showing clearly. A demonstration makes something evident by placing it before observers, whether as a practical example, visible action, or supporting proof.

More examples

  • We watched a demonstration of the new vacuum cleaner.
  • Her generous donation is a clear demonstration of her commitment.
  • The museum offers daily demonstrations of glassblowing.

Forms

demonstration · demonstrations

demonstrate verb — To show clearly or explain through examples.

Similar words

display
Emphasizes making something visible rather than explaining how it works.
presentation
An organized explanation that need not show anything in action.
proof
Establishes that something is true rather than showing a process.