Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
phatic
Adjective
/ˈfætɪk/
Definition
Relating to speech that serves a social function rather than conveying information.
Examples
- She made a phatic gesture by saying hello without any follow-up questions.
- In many cultures, phatic exchanges are a vital part of social interaction.
Meaning
Phatic communication is often used to establish or maintain social relationships, rather than to share real content or information. It includes phrases like ‘How are you?’ that serve to greet someone without requiring a detailed answer.
Synonyms
- Social
- Conversational
- Polite
