metalanguage

1. a language or set of symbols that is used to describe another language or set of symbols. Examples are English words used in teaching a foreign language, the instructions that accompany a computer program, and the use of mathematical symbols to analyze the logic of an argument (see symbolic logic). Also called second-order language.

2. any use of language to discuss or analyze language, as in formal linguistic study, literary criticism, or the attempts of speakers to make sure that they understand one another correctly (e.g., “When you said the book was unreadable, were you referring to the print quality or the author’s style?”).

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Psychology term of the day

January 14th 2025

trait

1. an enduring personality characteristic that describes or determines an individual’s behavior across a range of situations.

2. in genetics, an attribute resulting from a hereditary predisposition (e.g., hair color, facial features).

3. in item response theory, an individual’s level of competence on a certain task or aptitude measurement.