clitic (redirected from Clitics)

clit·ic  (kltk)

n.

An unstressed word, typically a function word, that is incapable of standing on its own and attaches in pronunciation to a stressed word, with which it forms a single accentual unit. Examples of clitics are the pronoun 'em in I see 'em and the definite article in French l'arme, "the arm."

adj.

Of or relating to a clitic or clisis.

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[Greek klitikos, leaning, from klnein, to lean; see klei- in Indo-European roots.]

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cliti·cize (-sz) v.

cliti·ci·zation (-s-zshn) n.

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clitic [ˈklɪtɪk]

adj

(Linguistics) (of a word) incapable of being stressed, usually pronounced as if part of the word that follows or precedes it: for example, in French, me, te, and le are clitic pronouns See also proclitic, enclitic

n

(Linguistics) a clitic word

[back formation from enclitic and proclitic]