Holophrastic
adjective
Related to a single phrase expressing a complete idea or statement.
Young children often use holophrastic speech, like 'up' to express the idea 'Pick me up.'
Often appears as...
- holophrastic speech
- holophrastic phrase
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Being or having the nature of a holophrase.
When learning a new language, a holophrastic expression can encapsulate multiple elements in a single word or phrase.
Often appears as...
- holophrastic expression
- holophrastic sentence
Usage tips
Technical
adjective
Related to a single phrase expressing a complete idea or statement.
Young children often use holophrastic speech, like 'up' to express the idea 'Pick me up.'
Often appears as...
- holophrastic speech
- holophrastic phrase
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Being or having the nature of a holophrase.
When learning a new language, a holophrastic expression can encapsulate multiple elements in a single word or phrase.
Often appears as...
- holophrastic expression
- holophrastic sentence
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Child Language
Holophrastic often describes how toddlers begin to speak, using single words for full ideas.
A toddler saying 'milk' instead of 'I want milk' is using holophrastic speech.
Pro Tip 2/3Expressing Needs
Holophrastic words can be effective for quickly expressing needs or desires.
A lost tourist simply saying 'map?' is an example of holophrastic speech.
Pro Tip 3/3Simply Put
Holophrastic speech simplifies communication, making it brief yet whole.
An employee saying 'break' to indicate they are taking a break is holophrastic.
Pro Tip 1/3Child Language
Holophrastic often describes how toddlers begin to speak, using single words for full ideas.
A toddler saying 'milk' instead of 'I want milk' is using holophrastic speech.
Pro Tip 2/3Expressing Needs
Holophrastic words can be effective for quickly expressing needs or desires.
A lost tourist simply saying 'map?' is an example of holophrastic speech.
Pro Tip 3/3Simply Put
Holophrastic speech simplifies communication, making it brief yet whole.
An employee saying 'break' to indicate they are taking a break is holophrastic.
Pro Tip 1/3Child Language
Holophrastic often describes how toddlers begin to speak, using single words for full ideas.
A toddler saying 'milk' instead of 'I want milk' is using holophrastic speech.
Pro Tip 2/3Expressing Needs
Holophrastic words can be effective for quickly expressing needs or desires.
A lost tourist simply saying 'map?' is an example of holophrastic speech.
Pro Tip 3/3Simply Put
Holophrastic speech simplifies communication, making it brief yet whole.
An employee saying 'break' to indicate they are taking a break is holophrastic.
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