Meaning & use
demonstrably
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Meaning
adverbnot comparable
In a way that can be shown to be true by evidence or a test.
Grammar: Usually placed before an adjective or verb: demonstrably false; it demonstrably works.
Patterns
- demonstrably true
- demonstrably false
- demonstrably better
The claim was demonstrably false, as the records showed.
The new method is demonstrably faster than the old one.
She argued that the policy had demonstrably reduced crime.
Common combinations
- demonstrably false
- His story was demonstrably false.
- demonstrably true
- The theory is demonstrably true in lab tests.
- demonstrably better
- The new engine is demonstrably better.
- demonstrably untrue
- The rumor is demonstrably untrue.
- demonstrably effective
- The program has proved demonstrably effective.
Synonyms and how they differ
- provably
- Provably is a close match but sounds more mathematical, while demonstrably suggests evidence you can point to.
- evidently
- Evidently means plainly visible or apparent, but it does not promise that proof is available.
- undeniably
- Undeniably stresses that no one can argue against something, while demonstrably stresses that it can be shown.
- clearly
- Clearly is a general and weaker word that does not suggest the claim has been tested.
Opposites
Word family
- demonstrate verb
- to show clearly, or to prove
- demonstrable adjective
- able to be shown or proved
- demonstration noun
- an act of showing, or a public protest
- demonstrator noun
- a person who shows how something works, or who takes part in a protest
Commonly confused: demonstrably or ostensibly?
demonstrably vs ostensibly
Ostensibly means apparently, as far as anyone can tell, and often hints the truth is different. Demonstrably means it can be proved, so the two are close to opposites in attitude.
Practice
The minister's claim was ____ untrue; the official figures showed the opposite.
Choose one answer.
Demonstrably means able to be proved, which fits claims checked against figures. Ostensibly and arguably suggest uncertainty, and vaguely does not fit.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “demonstrably”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.