Preformative: meaning, definitions and examples
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preformative
[ ˈpriːˌfɔːr.mə.tɪv ]
linguistics
A linguistic element that signals the beginning of a speech act or an utterance, such as 'well', 'now', or 'okay'. Preformatives are used to mark the speaker’s intentions or attitudes.
Synonyms
introductory element, speech marker
Examples of usage
- His use of 'well' as a preformative indicated hesitancy before making his point.
- The preformative 'now' at the start of her sentence signified a change of topic.
Translations
Translations of the word "preformative" in other languages:
🇵🇹 performativo
🇮🇳 प्रदर्शनात्मक
🇩🇪 performativ
🇮🇩 performatif
🇺🇦 перформативний
🇵🇱 performatywny
🇯🇵 パフォーマティブ
🇫🇷 performatif
🇪🇸 performativo
🇹🇷 performatif
🇰🇷 퍼포머티브
🇸🇦 أدائي
🇨🇿 performativní
🇸🇰 performatívny
🇨🇳 表演性的
🇸🇮 performativni
🇮🇸 performatífur
🇰🇿 перформативті
🇬🇪 პერფორმატიული
🇦🇿 performativ
🇲🇽 performativo
Word origin
The term 'preformative' originates from the field of linguistics, specifically from the study of speech acts and discourse analysis. It was first introduced in the mid-20th century by scholars exploring the ways in which language is used to convey intentions and attitudes in communication. The concept of preformatives has since become a key aspect of understanding the structure and function of spoken language.
See also: amorphic, conform, deform, deformed, form, formal, formality, formally, formation, formative, formatter, formed, former, formerly, formic, forming, formless, forms, malform, malformation, multiformity, reform, unformed.