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Deictic for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: 'daɪktɪk

What does Deictic really mean?

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Hey there! So, "deictic" is kind of a big word, but don't worry, I'm here to help you understand it. Deictic is a word that is used to point to something specific, like pointing to an object or a person that is close to you in the physical space. It helps to locate or identify something through words like "this," "that," "here," "there," "now," "then," and "I."

Think of deictic words as your personal GPS. They help give directions and guide someone to a specific place or thing. For example, if I say, "This book is interesting," the word "this" is a deictic word because it is pointing to the book that is close to me.

So, in simpler terms, deictic words are like little signposts in language that help us to understand where or when something is happening. They help us to identify and locate things in relation to ourselves.

But wait, there's more! There's another meaning of "deictic" when it comes to grammar. In grammar, deictic words can also refer to words that change their meaning depending on who is speaking or where they are being spoken. For example, the word "here" changes its meaning if I say it or if you say it. So, deictic words in grammar change their meaning based on the context of the speaker.

So, to sum it all up, "deictic" is a word that helps to point to something specific and can also change its meaning based on who is speaking or where they are being spoken.

I hope that helps you understand what "deictic" means! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

Revised and Fact checked by Sophia Wright on 2023-11-15 06:06:02

Deictic In a sentece

Learn how to use Deictic inside a sentece

  • When I say 'this' book, the word 'this' is deictic because it refers to a specific book that is close to us.
  • The word 'there' is deictic because it refers to a location that is not close to us.
  • In the sentence 'I want that pencil', the word 'that' is deictic because it refers to a specific pencil that is not close to us.
  • When I say 'now', the word 'now' is deictic because it refers to the present moment.
  • In the sentence 'She lives there', the word 'there' is deictic because it refers to a location that is not close to the speaker.

Deictic Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Deictic Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Deictic Pertains To

Words to which the original word is relevant