Indexical
Pronunciation: /ˈɪndɛksˈaɪˈkæɫ/
Indexical (adjective)
- Describing words or phrases that change meaning based on the situation or context.
Examples
- The meaning of 'here' is indexical and changes with location.
- An indexical term like 'now' depends on the time of speaking.
Common collocations: indexical expression, indexical meaning, indexical reference, indexical shift
Indexical (noun)
- A word or phrase that points to something specific in a context.
Examples
- The word 'you' is an indexical that refers to different people.
- In linguistics, an indexical can shift meaning based on context.