Clitic Definition
klĭtĭk
noun
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.”
American Heritage
adjective
Of or relating to a clitic or clisis.
American Heritage
Other Word Forms of Clitic
Noun
Singular:
clitic
Plural:
cliticsOrigin of Clitic
-
Greek klitikos leaning from klīnein to lean klei- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Clitic Is Also Mentioned In
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to clitic using the buttons below.