illocutionary

American  

[il-uh-kyoo-shuh-ner-ee] / ˌɪl əˈkyu ʃəˌnɛr i /

adjective

Philosophy, Linguistics.

1. pertaining to a linguistic act performed by a speaker in producing an utterance, as suggesting, warning, promising, or requesting.

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Other Word Forms

• illocution noun

Etymology

Origin of illocutionary

First recorded in 1950–55; il- ¹ + locution + -ary

Example Sentences

It seems to be about the listener’s ability to shut the window, but the illocutionary act tells the listener to shut the window.

From Economist • Nov. 10, 2016