indexicals
/ɪnˈdɛksɪkəlz/
noun
- Words or expressions whose meaning depends on the context in which they are used, such as 'I', 'you', 'here', 'now', and 'today'.
- Philosophers study indexicals to understand how language connects to the real world.
- In the sentence 'I am here now,' all three words are indexicals that shift meaning with the speaker and situation.
- When learning a new language, it is important to practice indexicals because they change with every conversation.