pragmatics

[ prag-mat-iks ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. Logic, Philosophy. the branch of semiotics dealing with the causal and other relations between words, expressions, or symbols and their users.
2. 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.
3. practical considerations.

pragmatics

/ præɡˈmætɪks /

noun

1. the study of those aspects of language that cannot be considered in isolation from its use
2. the study of the relation between symbols and those who use them

Word History and Origins

Origin of pragmatics¹

First recorded in 1935–40; pragmatic, -ics

Example Sentences

Many pragmatics from the Crown vainly endeavoured to suppress or mitigate the popular extravagance.

From Project Gutenberg

These taboos took on other dimensions when encoded in a literacy that ignored the pragmatics.

From Project Gutenberg

This choice has two aspects of special significance for the pragmatics of our age.

From Project Gutenberg

Augmented by worldwide networking, this pragmatics has become global in scope.

From Project Gutenberg

The pragmatics that overrides the need for literacy is based on individual empowerment.

From Project Gutenberg