Definition

Not showing or expressing feelings or emotions openly; keeping feelings to oneself.

Example

He was undemonstrative, rarely showing his emotions even in difficult times.

Conversation

I noticed that Mark is really undemonstrative during our group outings.

Yeah, he rarely shows much emotion, doesn't he?

It's interesting how some people are just naturally undemonstrative like that.

True, but I think he still enjoys hanging out with us in his own way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Undemonstrative → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "demonstrative" (from Latin "demonstrativus", meaning showing or pointing out). The word "undemonstrative" means not showing or expressing feelings or emotions openly.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') showing or 'pointing out' ('demonstrative') feelings — that's why undemonstrative means not expressing emotions openly.

Visually Confused Words