speech act

an instance of the use of speech considered as an action, especially with regard to the speaker’s intentions and the effect on a listener. A single utterance usually involves several simultaneous speech acts (see illocutionary act). The study of speech acts is part of the general field of pragmatics.

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Psychology term of the day

December 23rd 2024

SNRI

serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor: any of a class of antidepressants that exert their therapeutic effects by interfering with the reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine by the neurons that released them. They include venlafaxine and duloxetine.