deontic

adjective

de·​on·​tic (ˌ)dē-ˈän-tik How to pronounce deontic (audio)
: of or relating to moral obligation : deontological

Examples of deontic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One is deontic reasoning: the ability to recognize and understand social rules and what happens when the rules are transgressed. Theodor Schaarschmidt, Scientific American, 11 July 2018

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

Word History

Etymology

Greek deont-, deon that which is obligatory, from neuter of present participle of dein to lack, be needful — more at deuter-

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deontic was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near deontic

Cite this Entry

“Deontic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deontic. Accessed 1 May. 2024.

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