demonstrable

Demonstrable is an adjective meaning capable of being demonstrated; able to be proven or shown to be true by argument, evidence, or experiment. It is used to describe claims, results, or theories whose truth or validity can be established through demonstration rather than reliance on opinion or assertion alone. In science and philosophy, a demonstrable conclusion is one that can be supported by a coherent argument and verifiable data.

Etymology: The word comes from Latin demonstrabilis, from demonstrare “to point out, show,” with the suffix -bilis meaning “able to be.” The form entered English via Early Modern usage and has remained common in formal prose.

Usage notes: Demonstrable differs from demonstrative in that the latter relates to showing or pointing out and also to pronouns (this, that). In mathematics and logic, demonstrable is often used interchangeably with provable, though provable is more standard in contemporary formal writing. In everyday language, one might say “the link is demonstrable” to indicate that evidence supports the claim; terms such as unproven or not yet demonstrated are sometimes used instead, depending on context. In law, demonstrative evidence refers to illustrative materials used to prove a point, which is a distinct concept from what is demonstrable.