Proclitic

/ˌprəʊˈklɪtɪk/
noun

A word or particle in some languages that is linked to the word that follows it and cannot stand on its own. For example, the French word 'l' in l'homme (the man).

In the phrase 'l'homme', 'l'' is a proclitic.
Visual representation of "proclitic" - A word or particle in some languages that is linked to the word that follows it and cannot stand on its own. For example, the French word 'l' in l'homme (the man).

Often appears as...

  • 'proclitic particle'
  • 'proclitic word'

Usage tips

Academic

adjective

Being or relating to a word or particle that is attached to the beginning of another word and cannot stand on its own.

In the phrase 'it's', 'it's' is a proclitic contraction of 'it is'.
Visual representation of "proclitic" - Being or relating to a word or particle that is attached to the beginning of another word and cannot stand on its own.

Often appears as...

  • 'proclitic particle'
  • 'proclitic contraction'

Usage tips

Academic

noun

A word or particle in some languages that is linked to the word that follows it and cannot stand on its own. For example, the French word 'l' in l'homme (the man).

In the phrase 'l'homme', 'l'' is a proclitic.
Visual representation of "proclitic" - A word or particle in some languages that is linked to the word that follows it and cannot stand on its own. For example, the French word 'l' in l'homme (the man).

Often appears as...

  • 'proclitic particle'
  • 'proclitic word'

Usage tips

Academic

adjective

Being or relating to a word or particle that is attached to the beginning of another word and cannot stand on its own.

In the phrase 'it's', 'it's' is a proclitic contraction of 'it is'.
Visual representation of "proclitic" - Being or relating to a word or particle that is attached to the beginning of another word and cannot stand on its own.

Often appears as...

  • 'proclitic particle'
  • 'proclitic contraction'

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "proclitic"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Linked Word

A proclitic needs the following word to give it meaning since it can't stand alone.

Illustration for Linked Word
In 'qu'il' (that he), 'qu'' is proclitic and attached to 'il'.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Pronunciation Flow

Proclitics often make sentences flow better by avoiding pauses between words.

Illustration for Pronunciation Flow
Say 'I've' instead of 'I have' to feel the smoother flow caused by the proclitic 'I've'.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Detection

Identify proclitics by noticing if the word does not make sense by itself and relates to the next word.

Illustration for Detection
'd'ans' in 'd'ans le parc' (in the park) shows 'd'' as a proclitic.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Linked Word

A proclitic needs the following word to give it meaning since it can't stand alone.

Illustration for Linked Word
In 'qu'il' (that he), 'qu'' is proclitic and attached to 'il'.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Pronunciation Flow

Proclitics often make sentences flow better by avoiding pauses between words.

Illustration for Pronunciation Flow
Say 'I've' instead of 'I have' to feel the smoother flow caused by the proclitic 'I've'.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Detection

Identify proclitics by noticing if the word does not make sense by itself and relates to the next word.

Illustration for Detection
'd'ans' in 'd'ans le parc' (in the park) shows 'd'' as a proclitic.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Linked Word

A proclitic needs the following word to give it meaning since it can't stand alone.

Illustration for Linked Word
In 'qu'il' (that he), 'qu'' is proclitic and attached to 'il'.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Pronunciation Flow

Proclitics often make sentences flow better by avoiding pauses between words.

Illustration for Pronunciation Flow
Say 'I've' instead of 'I have' to feel the smoother flow caused by the proclitic 'I've'.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Detection

Identify proclitics by noticing if the word does not make sense by itself and relates to the next word.

Illustration for Detection
'd'ans' in 'd'ans le parc' (in the park) shows 'd'' as a proclitic.
Visual representation of the word "Proclitic"

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