speech act
noun Philosophy, Linguistics.
any of the acts that may be performed by a speaker in making an utterance, as stating, asking, requesting, advising, warning, or persuading, considered in terms of the content of the message, the intention of the speaker, and the effect on the listener.
Nearby words
speculum forceps, speculum metal, sped, spee, speech, speech act, speech bulb, speech clinic, speech community, speech correction, speech day
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for speech act
speech act
noun philosophy
an utterance that constitutes some act in addition to the mere act of uttering
an act or type of act capable of being so performed
See also performative
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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