determinate reference
[dɪˈtɜːrmɪnət ˈrɛfərəns]
nounpl: determinate references
referência determinada
1. A reference that has a clear, specific, and fixed meaning or target; a linguistic or logical expression that points to a particular, identifiable entity without ambiguity
In the sentence 'The president of Brazil signed the law,' the phrase 'the president of Brazil' is a determinate reference because it identifies a specific individual.
Na frase 'O presidente do Brasil assinou a lei', a expressão 'o presidente do Brasil' é uma referência determinada porque identifica um indivíduo específico.
2. In philosophy and semantics, a reference where the object or concept being referred to is uniquely determined and identifiable within a given context
A determinate reference requires sufficient contextual information to identify exactly what is being discussed.
Uma referência determinada requer informação contextual suficiente para identificar exatamente o que está sendo discutido.
This is a technical term primarily used in academic contexts, particularly in philosophy, linguistics, and semantics. It is not commonly used in everyday speech in either Brazil or the United States, but is essential terminology in university-level discussions about language, logic, and meaning. The concept has importance in both Anglo-American analytical philosophy and European continental traditions, making it a truly international academic term.
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