pragmatics
[ prag-mat-iks ]
/ prægˈmæt ɪks /
noun (used with a singular verb)
Logic, Philosophy.
the branch of semiotics dealing with the causal and other relations between words, expressions, or symbols and their users.
Linguistics.
the analysis of language in terms of the situational context within which utterances are made, including the knowledge and beliefs of the speaker and the relation between speaker and listener.
practical considerations.
Words nearby pragmatics
Definition for pragmatics (2 of 2)
pragmatic
[ prag-mat-ik ]
/ prægˈmæt ɪk /
adjective Also prag·mat·i·cal (for defs 1, 2, 5).
noun
Archaic.
an officious or meddlesome person.
Origin of pragmatic
OTHER WORDS FROM pragmatic
Example sentences from the Web for pragmatics
British Dictionary definitions for pragmatics (1 of 2)
pragmatics
/ (præɡˈmætɪks) /
noun (functioning as singular)
the study of those aspects of language that cannot be considered in isolation from its use
the study of the relation between symbols and those who use them
British Dictionary definitions for pragmatics (2 of 2)
pragmatic
/ (præɡˈmætɪk) /
adjective
advocating behaviour that is dictated more by practical consequences than by theory or dogma
philosophy
of or relating to pragmatism
involving everyday or practical business
of or concerned with the affairs of a state or community
rare
interfering or meddlesome; officious
Also (for senses 3, 5):
pragmatical
Derived forms of pragmatic
pragmaticality, noun pragmatically, adverbWord Origin for pragmatic
C17: from Late Latin
prāgmaticus, from Greek
prāgmatikos from
pragma act, from
prattein to do