Definition

The state or quality of referring to something, especially in language or communication.

Example

The referentiality of the statement was clear, as it pointed directly to the event being discussed.

Conversation

I was reading about referentiality in linguistics yesterday.

Oh really? What does it mean exactly?

It's about how words or phrases relate to the things they refer to.

That sounds interesting! I never thought about language that way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Referentiality → It is formed from "refer" (from Latin "referre", meaning to bring back or relate) and the suffix "-ality" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "referentiality" describes the quality or state of relating to or indicating something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'referring' to something, which means bringing it back to mind, and '-ality' indicates a state or quality. This helps you remember that referentiality is about the quality of relating to something.

Visually Confused Words