EXPLETIVE Meaning and
Definition
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An expletive is a linguistic term referring to a word or phrase used to convey strong emotions, especially emphasis, surprise, annoyance, or frustration. It is often considered to be profane, vulgar, or offensive. Expletives can augment meaning and express intensity or urgency in speech or writing.
In common usage, expletives are typically interjections, exclamations, or curse words that may be inserted into sentences or used independently to convey strong emotions or inject emphasis into spoken or written language. They often serve as a way to vent or release frustration or emphasize a particular point. While some expletives carry socially unacceptable language or profane connotations, others are relatively mild and more acceptable in certain contexts.
Expletives can be expressions of obscenity, blasphemy, or vulgarity, but may also encompass milder words or phrases used for emotional emphasis. It is important to note that the acceptability or offensiveness of an expletive varies depending on cultural, social, and regional contexts.
In addition to emotional expression, expletives can also serve as a linguistic filler or pause, sometimes known as a placeholder word or discourse marker. These types of expletives, such as "um," "like," or "you know," function to occupy space in speech while the speaker thinks or searches for the right words to express themselves.
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• Filling up or out; added for supply or ornament; not necessary to the sense.
• A word or syllable inserted for ornament; something only used to take up room; colloquially, a coarse or profane word.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for EXPLETIVE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for EXPLETIVE
Etymology of EXPLETIVE
The word "expletive" comes from the Latin word "expletivus", which means "filling out" or "completing". It is derived from the verb "expletare", which means "to fill". The idea behind this etymology is that an expletive fills out or completes a sentence, often used to express strong emotion or to reinforce a statement.
Similar spelling words for EXPLETIVE
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