definites
Locked-in absolute facts
Definites is the plural of definite used as a noun, referring to things that are certain, fixed, or clearly established.
In linguistics, definites are noun phrases that refer to specific, identifiable entities—typically marked by "the" rather than "a": The definites in this passage all refer back to previously mentioned characters.
In casual planning, definites are confirmed commitments: We have three definites and two maybes for dinner.
Noun-modifying function words
those · which · articles · demonstratives · syntax · specificity · reference · noun phrases
Study of linguistic meaning
- pragmaticsLanguage-in-context study
- referenceDirecting attention elsewhere
- presuppositionImplicit prior assumption
- discourseFormal communication on subjects
anaphora · familiarity · givenness · accessibility · salience · existential · generic · scope
Assured truths
- absolutesUnconditional, unqualified things
- guaranteesPromises ensuring specific outcomes
- assurancesConfident pledges given
- foregone conclusionsResults assumed beforehand
sure things · givens · knowns · inevitabilities · locked-in · decided · resolved · determined
Individual facts or details
- specificsExact details of something
- detailsSpecific pieces of information
- exactitudesStates of perfect accuracy
- precisenessQuality of being exact
determiners
Noun-modifying function words
these · those · which · articles · demonstratives · syntax · specificity · reference · noun phrases · anaphora
semantics
Study of linguistic meaning
- pragmaticsLanguage-in-context study
- referenceDirecting attention elsewhere
- presuppositionImplicit prior assumption
discourse · anaphora · familiarity · givenness · accessibility · salience · existential · generic · scope · quantification
certainties
Assured truths
- absolutesUnconditional, unqualified things
- guaranteesPromises ensuring specific outcomes
- assurancesConfident pledges given
foregone conclusions · sure things · givens · knowns · inevitabilities · locked-in · decided · resolved · determined
particulars
Individual facts or details
- specificsExact details of something
- detailsSpecific pieces of information
- exactitudesStates of perfect accuracy
preciseness · concreteness · explicitness · designated · specified
definitesmaybes
Noncommittal answers
uncertainties · indefinites · possibilities · undecideds · unknowns
- definitely notEmphatic negative response
- high definitionSuperior visual resolution
- by definitionAs a matter of meaning
- dictionary definitionA word's stated meaning
- definite maybeSelf-canceling tentative agreement
- muscle definitionVisible contour of physique
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