indexical
UK[ɪnˈdɛksɪk(ə)l]US[ɪnˈdɛksɪk(ə)l]
adj
Having the function of pointing to or indicating something, especially in the context of language and signs.
adj
(In linguistics and philosophy) Denoting a word or expression whose meaning is dependent on the context in which it is used (e.g., 'I', 'here', 'now').
Morpheme Breakdown
index
ical
index
indicator
ical
adjective-forming suffix
Etymology
The word 'indexical' is a modern scholarly formation, built upon the classical Latin noun 'index', which itself derives from the verb 'indicare' (to point out, declare). The literal sense of 'index' as a pointer, specifically the forefinger used for showing, provides the foundational logic. The adjectival suffix '-ical' was appended in English to create a term meaning 'having the nature of an index'. In 20th-century linguistics and philosophy of language, this concrete sense of pointing was abstracted to describe words and signs that directly 'point to' elements of the situational context (such as speaker, time, or place) for their interpretation, thus giving rise to its primary technical meaning today.
Analysis
Structure: index (indicator) + ical (adjective-forming suffix)
- index: From Latin 'index', meaning 'indicator, forefinger, informer', from 'indicare' (to point out, show). Functions as the core root.
- ical: A compound adjectival suffix from '-ic' (of or pertaining to) + '-al' (relating to). Functions as a suffix forming adjectives meaning 'of, relating to, or characterized by'.
Examples
Pronouns like 'I' and 'you' are classic examples of indexical expressions.
The philosopher analyzed the indexical nature of the word 'today', which refers to a different day with each utterance.
In semiotics, an indexical sign shows a direct causal or physical connection to its object, like smoke indicating fire.