quotative

noun

quo·​ta·​tive ˈkwō-tə-tiv How to pronounce quotative (audio)
: a function word used in informal contexts to introduce a quotation
"like" is a quotative in "He was like, 'Oh, no! not again!'"
quotative adjective

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quotative was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near quotative

Cite this Entry

“Quotative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quotative. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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