undemonstrative
gb/ˈʌndəmənstɹətɪv/ us/ˈʌndəmənstɹətɪv/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
C1
property
1
not openly showing feelings
not showing your feelings in an obvious way
Usage pattern:
[someone] is undemonstrative (about [something])
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse undemonstrative (not showing feelings) with unemotional (not feeling emotions) or may misspell it as *un-demonstrative* with a hyphen.
Synonyms
reserved (More general; can refer to being quiet or cautious as well as not showing emotion.)
|
unexpressive (Focuses on a lack of visible expression, especially on the face.)
|
restrained (Emphasizes self-control and holding back.)
Antonyms
demonstrative (Openly shows feelings, especially affection.)
|
affectionate (Warm and openly loving in behavior.)
|
effusive (Shows feelings in an enthusiastic, overflowing way.)
Collocations
an undemonstrative person
|an undemonstrative man
|an undemonstrative woman
|an undemonstrative manner
|an undemonstrative personality
|an undemonstrative temperament
|undemonstrative affection
|undemonstrative love
|an undemonstrative relationship
|quietly undemonstrative
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|personality
Examples
- He’s kind but undemonstrative, so he rarely says how he feels.
- Her parents were undemonstrative, but they supported her in practical ways.
- They have an undemonstrative relationship, with few public displays of affection.
Learner examples
- My father is undemonstrative.
- She is undemonstrative about her feelings.
adjective
formal
C2
property
2
not providing clear proof
not clearly proving something
Usage pattern:
[something] is undemonstrative of [something]
Common mistake:
This sense is much less common than the 'emotionally reserved' sense; learners may overuse it when they simply mean unconvincing or unsupported.
Synonyms
inconclusive (Emphasizes that the evidence does not lead to a clear decision.)
|
unconvincing (Focuses on how persuasive it feels, not necessarily on proof.)
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unsupported (Highlights the lack of evidence or backing.)
Antonyms
conclusive (Strong enough to prove or settle the matter.)
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demonstrative (Clearly showing or proving something.)
Collocations
undemonstrative evidence
|an undemonstrative argument
|an undemonstrative claim
|undemonstrative reasoning
|undemonstrative results
Themes
communication
|education
|law
Examples
- The data were undemonstrative of any clear trend over time.
- His explanation sounded plausible but was undemonstrative, with no evidence to back it up.
Learner examples
- The evidence is undemonstrative.
Grammar
Dictionary form
undemonstrative
IPA
GB/ˈʌndəmənstɹətɪv/
US/ˈʌndəmənstɹətɪv/
Syllables & stress
un - demon - strat - ive (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (un)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: undemonstrative
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.