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holophrase

/ˈhɑləˌfreɪz/
IPA guide

Other forms: holophrases

A holophrase is a single word that expresses a complex idea or a full sentence. When a toddler looks at you, raises her arms, and says "Up!" she's using a holophrase.

Holophrases are most often associated with toddlers who are just learning to speak. Because young children have limited vocabularies, a single word must do the work of a full sentence. Depending on the context, "Up!" could mean "Pick me up, please," or it could mean, "Uh-oh! The dog just jumped up on the couch!" By observing a child's tone and gestures, we can decode these one-word messages. Adults use holophrases, too: "Go!" "Okay." "Thanks." "Fire!" A holophrase packs a lot of meaning into one word.

Definitions of holophrase
  1. noun
    a single word which expresses a complex idea, used instead of a whole phrase
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