deixis

[dahyk-sis]

noun

Grammar.

1. the operation or function of deictic elements.

deixis

/ ˈdaɪksɪs /

noun

1. grammar the use or reference of a deictic word

Word History and Origins

Origin of deixis¹

1945–50; < Greek deîxis literally, proof, display, equivalent to deik ( nýnai ) to show, prove, point + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of deixis¹

C20: from Greek, from deiknunai to show

Example Sentences

In his scholarly work, Dr. Nunberg published papers on topics including “Indexicality and Deixis” and “Indexical Descriptions and Descriptive Indexicals.”

From Washington Post

“It could invade wheat fields of eastern Washington,” said Ed Johannes, who runs a business, Deixis Consultants, which does surveys to identify mollusks for governments and businesses.

From Washington Times