holophrase

American  

[hol-uh-freyz, hoh-luh-] / ˈhɒl əˌfreɪz, ˈhoʊ lə- /

noun

1. a word functioning as a phrase or sentence, as the imperative Go!

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Etymology

Origin of holophrase

First recorded in 1895–1900; holo- + phrase

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

See Examples For:

holophrase

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 Carpenter, Edward