Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
illocutionary-act
Noun
/ˌɪloʊkjuˈʃənəri ækt/
Definition
An illocutionary act is a type of speech act that conveys the speaker’s intention, often beyond the literal meaning of the words used.
Examples
- When Sarah said, ‘Can you pass the salt?’, her illocutionary act was a polite request for someone to pass the salt.
- By stating, ‘I promise to help you with your homework,’ John performed an illocutionary act of making a commitment.
Meaning
It refers to the communicative action performed by a speaker when they speak, such as making a request, giving an order, or making a promise.
Synonyms
- Speech act
- Communicative act
- Declarative act
