holophrase
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of holophrase
Explanation
A holophrase is a single word that expresses a complex idea or a full sentence. When a toddler looks at you, raises her arms, and says "Up!" she's using a holophrase. Holophrases are most often associated with toddlers who are just learning to speak. Because young children have limited vocabularies, a single word must do the work of a full sentence. Depending on the context, "Up!" could mean "Pick me up, please," or it could mean, "Uh-oh! The dog just jumped up on the couch!" By observing a child's tone and gestures, we can decode these one-word messages. Adults use holophrases, too: "Go!" "Okay." "Thanks." "Fire!" A holophrase packs a lot of meaning into one word.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Possibly he does not differentiate sufficiently between the rude language of the holophrase and the much later growth of formed and grammatical speech.
From Pagan and Christian creeds: their origin and meaning by Edward Carpenter
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
