adjective
pragmatic
Relating to how context shapes meaning in communication.
A pragmatic analysis explains why that question sounds like a request.
Etymology
The Greek ancestor concerns action or practical affairs. Linguistics uses pragmatic for meaning as it functions in actual use, including the effects of situation and speaker intention.
More examples
- The pragmatic meaning of “It's cold here” may be “Close the window.”
- Language learners need pragmatic skills to recognize polite refusals.
- Tone of voice provides pragmatic clues about whether someone is joking.
Forms
pragmatic
pragmatics noun — Study of meaning in communicative contexts.
Similar words
- contextual
- Concerns surrounding circumstances generally, not specifically meaning in communication.