PHATIC


Meaning of PHATIC in English

adjective

/ ˈfætɪk; NAmE / adjective ( linguistics ) relating to language used for social purposes rather than to give information or ask questions :

phatic communication

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WORD ORIGIN

1920s: from Greek phatos spoken or phatikos affirming.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.