pragmatics

American  

[prag-mat-iks] / prægˈmæt ɪks /

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.

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pragmatics British  

/ præɡˈmætɪks /

noun

1. the study of those aspects of language that cannot be considered in isolation from its use

2. the study of the relation between symbols and those who use them

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Etymology

Origin of pragmatics

First recorded in 1935–40; see origin at pragmatic, -ics

Explanation

Pragmatics is the study of how language is used in everyday interaction. It's part of linguistics, which is the scientific study of language. Pragmatics is the branch of linguistics that analyzes how people really use language. It goes beyond just looking at words — pragmatics is about how words are used in different situations. If you're a linguist studying pragmatics, you're going to need to hear real conversations between people. How people think they use language and how they actually use it aren't quite the same, and pragmatics is about looking at the reality of language use.

Example Sentences

Pragmatics of Reston appointed Sean Cohan vice president of the technology solutions group.

From Washington Post • Apr. 13, 2014

Pragmatics of Reston appointed Christopher Hegedus vice president and general manager of the company’s federal civilian division.

From Washington Post • Apr. 28, 2013

Pragmatics of McLean named Carl R. Rosenblatt chief business development officer.

From Washington Post • Jan. 2, 2011

Companies Pragmatics of McLean named Max Hall chief operating officer and Stephen Hughes chief financial officer.

From Washington Post • Oct. 10, 2010

But because these latter elements concern themselves with what Physical Education.28 is external, the name "Pragmatics" is appropriate.

From Pedagogics as a System by Brackett, Anna C. (Anna Callender)