Deictic
adjective
Relates to a word, like 'this' or 'that', whose meaning is based on where people or things are in relation to the speaker.
The words 'here' and 'there' are deictic expressions, their meanings change based on context.
Often appears as...
- 'deictic reference'
- 'deictic expression'
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Relates to a word, like 'this' or 'that', whose meaning is based on where people or things are in relation to the speaker.
The words 'here' and 'there' are deictic expressions, their meanings change based on context.
Often appears as...
- 'deictic reference'
- 'deictic expression'
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Context Dependence
Deictic words rely on situational context to convey meaning, which isn't fixed and changes with circumstances.
When I say 'over there', you only understand where if you see where I'm pointing.
Pro Tip 2/3Point of Reference
The meaning of deictic words can shift depending on the speaker's location and time of speaking.
'This morning' meant something different when I mentioned it yesterday.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversation Clues
Understanding deictic terms requires listening for clues within a conversation or text regarding time and place.
If a story begins with 'back then', look for earlier mentions of time for clarity.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Dependence
Deictic words rely on situational context to convey meaning, which isn't fixed and changes with circumstances.
When I say 'over there', you only understand where if you see where I'm pointing.
Pro Tip 2/3Point of Reference
The meaning of deictic words can shift depending on the speaker's location and time of speaking.
'This morning' meant something different when I mentioned it yesterday.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversation Clues
Understanding deictic terms requires listening for clues within a conversation or text regarding time and place.
If a story begins with 'back then', look for earlier mentions of time for clarity.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Dependence
Deictic words rely on situational context to convey meaning, which isn't fixed and changes with circumstances.
When I say 'over there', you only understand where if you see where I'm pointing.
Pro Tip 2/3Point of Reference
The meaning of deictic words can shift depending on the speaker's location and time of speaking.
'This morning' meant something different when I mentioned it yesterday.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversation Clues
Understanding deictic terms requires listening for clues within a conversation or text regarding time and place.
If a story begins with 'back then', look for earlier mentions of time for clarity.
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Video examples
Jason Silva on Following...
deictic gaze involves us looking or someone else's looking I'm looking at a person and they're looking at something else and they look concerned I'm able to take on their perspective and find out what it is that they're looking at contagious life and death I needed to
Video examples
Jason Silva on Following...
deictic gaze involves us looking or someone else's looking I'm looking at a person and they're looking at something else and they look concerned I'm able to take on their perspective and find out what it is that they're looking at contagious life and death I needed to
Example 1 of 1
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