Deictic Definition
dīktĭk
adjective
Directly pointing out or proving.
Webster's New World
Having the function of pointing out or specifying, and having its reference determined by its context.
The words “this,” “there,” and “you” are deictic.
Webster's New World
Of or relating to a word, the determination of whose referent is dependent on the context in which it is said or written. In the sentence I want him to come here now, the words I, here, him, and now are deictic because the determination of their referents depends on who says that sentence, and where, when, and of whom it is said.
American Heritage
noun
A deictic word, such as I or there.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
- deictic word
Other Word Forms of Deictic
Noun
Singular:
deictic
Plural:
deicticsOrigin of Deictic
-
Greek deiktikos from deiktos able to show directly from deiknunai to show deik- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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