pragmatics.

The study or operation of language use in context, including intended meaning, shared assumptions and interaction.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• linguistic pragmatics
• pragmatic interpretation

On the page

Linguistic pragmatics explained why the question functioned as a request in that setting.

The interpretation relied on pragmatics as well as the words’ literal meanings.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: Uncountable field noun ending in s; no ordinary number variation. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: language analysis, sense distinction, word formation analysis, precise reference. Disciplines: academic writing, linguistics, dictionary and usage analysis. Commonness: moderately common.