| distal demonstrative |
| Definition: Distal demonstratives are demonstratives (e.g., that and those) that point to objects that are at some distance from the speaker, whereas proximal demonstratives are demonstratives (e.g., this and these) that point to objects that are close to the speaker. |
| Example:
(1) That girl (distal) (2) This boy (proximal) |
| Etymology: The word distal entered English as an anatomical term denoting "that which is situated away from the body." |