pragmatics

noun

prag·​mat·​ics prag-ˈma-tiks How to pronounce pragmatics (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: a branch of semiotics that deals with the relation between signs or linguistic expressions and their users
2
: a branch of linguistics that is concerned with the relationship of sentences to the environment in which they occur

Examples of pragmatics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the months since, some Taliban officials have publicly called for girls to return to high schools — bringing attention to a rift the leadership has sought to play down, between ideologues and pragmatics among the Taliban. Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2022 After the rushed pragmatics, Elizabeth and Gary would leave to get lunch. Katie Herchenroeder, The New Republic, 6 Sep. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pragmatics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pragmatics was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near pragmatics

Cite this Entry

“Pragmatics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pragmatics. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

pragmatics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
prag·​mat·​ics prag-ˈmat-iks How to pronounce pragmatics (audio)
: a branch of semiotic that deals with the relation between signs or linguistic expressions and their users

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