Demonstrative
What it means
Openly showing affection, enthusiasm, or another strong feeling.
Reach for it when describing a warm style in which emotion is visibly expressed
Their demonstrative aunt greeted every child with delighted applause.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm |
|
| professional | |
| formal |
-
everyday
emotional
Fits when strong feeling itself is the point
Careful Emotional includes distress and anger, unlike demonstrative warmth.
-
everyday
Fits when feelings show through voice, face, or movement
Careful Expressive can describe art without personal warmth.
-
everyday
Fits when friendliness matters more than display
Careful Warm behavior may be subtle and culturally restrained.
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warm
Fits when fondness and care are the exact feelings shown
Careful Affection can be quiet rather than visibly demonstrative.
-
professional
tactile
Fits when touch is the principal expression
Careful Tactile ignores whether touch is welcome.
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formal
Fits when praise pours out with unusual enthusiasm
Careful Effusive can imply excess or insincerity.
Opposites 3
- reserved
- restrained
- undemonstrative
Common phrases 3
-
demonstrative affection
The siblings shared demonstrative affection without teasing one another.
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openly demonstrative
He is openly demonstrative with close friends but reserved at work.
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demonstrative welcome
Their demonstrative welcome included music, banners, and many hugs.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Visible emotion and touch vary by person and culture; demonstrative is not a universal measure of care.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated