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Definitions from WordNet

Definitions from the Web

Deixis

Definition: Deixis refers to the linguistic phenomenon where the interpretation of certain words or expressions relies on context, specifically, the location, time, and identities of the speaker and listener.

Part of Speech: Noun

Sense: Linguistics

Sample Sentence 1: In the sentence "Please pass me that book," the term "that" is an example of deixis since its meaning cannot be understood without knowing the spatial context.

Sample Sentence 2: Deixis can also occur with temporal expressions, such as when someone says "I will do it tomorrow," as the interpretation of "tomorrow" depends on when the statement is made.

Part of Speech: Noun

Sense: Pragmatics

Sample Sentence 1: In conversation, deixis plays a vital role in establishing understanding between speakers and listeners by relying on shared knowledge of the immediate surroundings.

Sample Sentence 2: The use of deixis in a sentence like "Could you please come here?" implies that the speaker wants the listener to move closer to their current location.

• Linguistics Books
• Pragmatics Books