performative
|per-for-ma-tive|
C1
🇺🇸
/pərˈfɔːrmətɪv/
🇬🇧
/pəˈfɔːmətɪv/
speech act
Etymology
Etymology Information
'performative' originates from the Latin word 'performare,' where 'per-' meant 'through' and 'formare' meant 'to form or shape.'
Historical Evolution
'performare' transformed into the English word 'perform,' and eventually became the modern English word 'performative.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to shape or form through action,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to speech acts.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or denoting an utterance by means of which the speaker performs a particular act (e.g., 'I apologize').
The phrase 'I promise' is performative because it enacts the act of promising.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41