speech act

American  

noun

Philosophy, Linguistics.

1. any of the acts that may be performed by a speaker in making an utterance, as stating, asking, requesting, advising, warning, or persuading, considered in terms of the content of the message, the intention of the speaker, and the effect on the listener.

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speech act British  

noun

1. an utterance that constitutes some act in addition to the mere act of uttering

2. an act or type of act capable of being so performed

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Example Sentences

"While Indonesia should prohibit the advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, Ratu Thalisa's speech act does not reach that threshold."

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2025

That question is, obviously, the most important second question to ask whenever interpreting any speech act by anyone.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2024

Austin meant by “performative,” a quasi-technical term he applied to a speech act that does what it says.

From New York Times • Dec. 7, 2021

Assembled into a checklist, these factors could provide guidance to judges and juries as they assess the gravity of a speech act and its likelihood of triggering violence.

From The Guardian • Dec. 19, 2017

One should not associate with another in either speech, act, or thought.

From The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 3 Books 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 by Ganguli, Kisari Mohan