performative (pəˈfɔːmətɪv) ![]() | |
| —adj | |
| 1. | a. locutionary act illocution See also perlocution denoting an utterance that constitutes some act, esp the act described by the verb. For example, I confess that I was there is itself a confession, and so is performative in the narrower sense, while I'd like you to meet … (effecting an introduction) is performative only in the looser sense |
| b. (as noun): that sentence is a performative | |
| 2. | a. denoting a verb that may be used as the main verb in such an utterance |
| b. (as noun): ``promise'' is a performative | |
| per'formatively | |
| —adv | |
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
| a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc. |