Quotative
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Quotative is a noun meaning (grammar) A grammatical device to mark quoted speech, such as be like in "he was like, 'who are you?'".
Meaning
(grammar) A grammatical device to mark quoted speech, such as be like in "he was like, 'who are you?'".
More Meanings
- (linguistics) A form of the complementizer related to the verb say, found in many languages of West Africa and South Asia.
- (grammar) Serving to mark quoted speech.
Example Sentences
Whereas most quotatives introduce either inner monologue or direct speech, the new quotative be like can introduce both kinds of reported speech, thus allowing the speaker to express an attitude, reaction, or thought, as well as something actually said.
Word Forms
- quotatives
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include semiquote, quote, quotemark, semi-quote, quotes, doublequote.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
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