Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
clitic
Linguistics
/ˈklɪtɪk/
Definition
A clitic is a form of a word that is pronounced only when attached to a nearby word, often a verb. It cannot stand alone and relies on the support of another word.
Examples
- In the phrase “I’m going,” ‘m is a clitic form of ‘am.’
- In the phrase “she’ll come later,” ‘ll is a clitic for ‘will.’
Meaning
Clitics function similarly to complete words but are grammatically dependent on adjoining words. They play an important role in syntax and morphology.
Synonyms
- Bound morpheme
- Affix
