deixis

noun
deix·​is | \ ˈdīk-sis How to pronounce deixis (audio) also ˈdāk-\
deixes\ ˈdīk-​ˌsēz How to pronounce deixes (audio) also  ˈdāk-​ \

Definition of deixis

: the pointing or specifying function of some words (such as definite articles and demonstrative pronouns) whose denotation changes from one discourse to another

First Known Use of deixis

1946, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for deixis

Greek, literally, display, from deiknynai to show — more at diction

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