phatic

/ˈfætɪk/
adjective
  1. Relating to language used for social interaction rather than to convey information, such as greetings or small talk.
    • Saying 'How are you?' is often a phatic expression, not a real question about someone's health.
    • Phatic communication helps people feel connected even when they have nothing important to say.
    • In many cultures, comments about the weather serve a phatic function in conversations.
Synonyms
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