Definition of DEIXIS

deixis

Plural: deixes, deixises

Noun

  • The linguistic phenomenon where meaning is dependent on context.
  • the function of pointing or specifying from the perspective of a participant in an act of speech or writing; aspects of a communication whose interpretation depends on knowledge of the context in which the communication occurs
  • The use of a word, such as a pronoun, to refer to something that must be identified from the wider context; a word used in such a way.

Examples

  • Deixis allows for economy of speech but introduces ambiguity when that speech is recorded.
  • The deixis of certain tiles on the Scrabble board determines their optimal use.

Origin / Etymology

From Ancient Greek δεῖξις (deîxis, “pointing, indicating, reference”), from δείκνυμι (deíknumi, “I show”).

Synonyms

indexicality

Scrabble Score: 14

deixis: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
deixis: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
deixis: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

deixis: valid Words With Friends Word