Performative

usgb/pərˈfɔːrmətɪv/
adjective

Relating to or being a statement that accomplishes something just by being declared.

She ended the argument with a performative statement.
Visual representation of "performative" - Relating to or being a statement that accomplishes something just by being declared.

Often appears as...

  • performative utterance
  • performative action
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "performative"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Action by Speaking

Understand 'performative' as an action done through words, like making a promise.

Illustration for Action by Speaking
Saying 'I promise' is a performative act that commits you.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Context Sensitive

Recognize that performative statements depend on context to be effective, like a wedding vow.

Illustration for Context Sensitive
The celebrant's 'I now pronounce you' is performative in context.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Social Force

Know that performative language can have social power, initiating or changing relationships.

Illustration for Social Force
Her declaration 'We're friends now' was a bonding performative.
Word comparison image

Compare with

behaviouralcommunicativeconstitutivedeclarativedemonstrativeexpressiveritualisticsymbology
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Visual representation of the word "Performative"

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