phatic


phat·ic

P0238300 (făt′ĭk)adj. Of or relating to communication used to perform a social function rather than to convey information or ideas.
[From Greek phatos, spoken, from phanai, to speak; see -phasia.]
phat′i·cal·ly adv.

phatic

(ˈfætɪk) adj (Linguistics) (of speech, esp of conversational phrases) used to establish social contact and to express sociability rather than specific meaning[C20: from Greek phat(os) spoken + -ic]

phat•ic

(ˈfæt ɪk)

adj. denoting speech used to express or create an atmosphere of shared feelings, goodwill, or sociability rather than to impart information. [1923; probably < Greek phat(ós) spoken, capable of being spoken (verbal adj. of phánai to speak; compare prophet) + -ic]
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