The term deictic is applied to a word which specifies an identity or a temporal or a spatial location from the perception of a speaker or a listener in the circumstance in which the communication takes place. It could mean relating to or the distinctiveness of a word, the reference of which is dependent on the conditions of its use. Another meaning of the word deictic is directly showing or pointing out. For instance, the terms 'those', 'that', as well as 'this' have a deictic function.
The word deictic has its roots in the Greek word 'deiktikos', meaning 'able to show'; which comes from the word deiktos; which is a verbal of the word deiknynai, meaning to show.
A related word is deixis, used in pragmatics and linguistics where it refers to a process whereby either words or expressions are seen to rely utterly on context.
The word deictic has its roots in the Greek word 'deiktikos', meaning 'able to show'; which comes from the word deiktos; which is a verbal of the word deiknynai, meaning to show.
A related word is deixis, used in pragmatics and linguistics where it refers to a process whereby either words or expressions are seen to rely utterly on context.
