referring expression
[/rɪˈfɜːrɪŋ ɪkˈsprɛʃən/]
nounpl: referring expressions
expressão referencial
1. A linguistic unit (word, phrase, or clause) used to identify or make reference to a particular person, object, or entity in discourse
In the sentence 'The tall man walked away,' the referring expression 'the tall man' identifies a specific individual.
Na frase 'O homem alto saiu', a expressão referencial 'o homem alto' identifica um indivíduo específico.
2. In semantics and pragmatics, any expression whose primary function is to direct attention to or denote a particular referent
Pronouns like 'he,' 'she,' and 'it' are common referring expressions that point to previously mentioned entities.
Pronomes como 'ele', 'ela' e 'isso' são expressões referenciais comuns que apontam para entidades mencionadas anteriormente.
3. A noun phrase or descriptive expression used to pick out or specify the object of reference in communication
Proper names like 'John' or definite descriptions like 'the President of Brazil' function as referring expressions.
Nomes próprios como 'João' ou descrições definidas como 'o Presidente do Brasil' funcionam como expressões referenciais.
This is a specialized term primarily used in academic and linguistic contexts in both Brazil and the USA. It is essential terminology in linguistics, philosophy of language, and pragmatics courses. The concept is culturally neutral and used identically across English and Portuguese-speaking academic communities.
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →