Definition

Relating to words or expressions that point to specific things or people, depending on who is speaking or the context of the conversation.

Example

In linguistics, indexical expressions like 'I' or 'here' change meaning based on who is speaking and where they are.

Conversation

I was reading about how words can be indexical in different contexts.

That's interesting! So, they change meaning based on who is speaking?

Exactly! It makes language so much more complex and fascinating.

I love that — it really shows how personal communication can be.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A word or sign that points to something specific in context, often depending on the situation or speaker.

Example

In the sentence 'I am here', the word 'I' is an indexical that refers to the speaker.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term indexical?

Yeah, I think it refers to words that point to something specific, right?

Exactly! It's fascinating how language works with indexical references.

Root Explanation

Indexical → It is formed from "index" (from Latin "index", meaning pointer or sign) and "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The word "indexical" refers to something that pertains to a pointer or sign, often used in linguistics to describe expressions that point to specific contexts or situations.

Memory Tip

Think of an 'index' as a pointer or sign, and remember that 'indexical' means something related to pointing out specific contexts.

Visually Confused Words