Demonstración

Demostración, demostración or demostración, depending on the language, is a term with several related meanings centered on showing or proving something. Its etymology traces to the Latin demonstratio, meaning a revealing or proof. In general use, it denotes the act of making something clear through display, argument, or example.

In mathematics and formal logic, a demostración refers to a proof: a logically coherent sequence of statements that derives a conclusion from axioms and definitions. A demostración establishes the truth of a proposition beyond reasonable doubt within a given system. It can be constructive or non-constructive and is distinguished from conjecture, hypothesis, or empirical evidence.

In science, education, and everyday language, a demostración is a practical display or experiment designed to illustrate a principle or phenomenon. Classroom demonstrations show how theories work in practice and are often designed to be reproducible. They may involve equipment, measurements, and controlled conditions to highlight cause-and-effect relationships.

In political and civic contexts, a demonstration can refer to a public gathering to express opinions, demand action, or show support for a cause. While the term is understood in many languages, many Spanish-speaking contexts prefer terms like manifestación for a public protest, with demostración more commonly used for showing or illustrating a point (for example, a demostración de fuerza or a product demonstration).

See also: proof, demonstration (in English), demonstration in science education, public demonstration, manifestación.