Pragmatics - Definitions from Dictionary.com

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prag·mat·ics

Audio Help [prag-mat-iks] Pronunciation Key

–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.

[Origin: 1935–40; see pragmatic, -ics

]

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

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Pragmatics

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prag·mat·ic Audio Help (prāg-māt'ĭk) Pronunciation Key
adj.

Dealing or concerned with facts or actual occurrences; practical.
Philosophy Of or relating to pragmatism.
Relating to or being the study of cause and effect in historical or political events with emphasis on the practical lessons to be learned from them.
Archaic
1. Active; busy.
2. Active in an officious or meddlesome way.
3. Dogmatic; dictatorial.

A pragmatic sanction.
Archaic A meddler; a busybody.

[Latin prāgmaticus, skilled in business, from Greek prāgmatikos, from prāgma, prāgmat-, deed, from prāssein, prāg-, to do.]

prag·mat'i·cal adj., prag·mat'i·cal·ly adv.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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prag·mat·ics Audio Help (prāg-māt'ĭks) Pronunciation Key
n. (used with a sing. verb)

The study of language as it is used in a social context, including its effect on the interlocutors.
The branch of semiotics that deals with the relationship between signs, especially words and other elements of language, and their users.

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