What does indexical mean?
An indexical expression is one whose meaning cannot be understood from its words alone: its interpretation depends on the situation in which it is used. Personal pronouns such as “I,” “you,” and “we,” demonstratives such as “this” and “that,” and time expressions such as “now” and “tomorrow” are typical examples. Speaking to one person and then another changes the referent of “you,” while the meaning of “now” shifts with the moment of utterance. The term is especially important in linguistics, pragmatics, philosophy of language, and semiotics, where it helps distinguish meaningful reference from a context-independent meaning. Indexicality is therefore not merely a source of ambiguity: it is a normal and productive feature of language that connects words to speakers, listeners, locations, times, and situations. Outside technical contexts, the phrase “context-dependent” often conveys much of the same idea.
Relating to or denoting an expression whose meaning is determined by the context of its use.
"The speaker replaced the indexical phrase “at that place” with the place name."
Chiefly used in linguistics, philosophy, and semiotics.
An indexical expression, or an element within an expression, whose reference depends on the context of its use.
"The demonstrative pronoun is treated as an indexical in the analysis."
Used for indexical expressions when discussed individually in linguistics or philosophy.
"Personal pronouns are indexicals whose referents change with the context."
Every time you say “here,” “now,” or “that,” the words point outward: the secret meaning of language is often hidden in its surroundings.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indexical come from?
“Indexical” derives from Latin index, meaning “pointer” or “indicator,” and is formed with the suffix “-ical.” The same Latin root underlies English words such as “indicate,” “indication,” and “indicative.” Modern linguistic use developed in the early 20th century as scholars described expressions whose interpretation depends on their context of utterance.
Related word forms
How indexical is actually used
This is primarily a specialized term in linguistics, philosophy, and semiotics. It is broader than deixis because it describes the general contextual dependence of meaning; in ordinary discussion, “context-dependent” may be more accessible.
Easily confused with indexical
An indexical expression refers to a person, place, time, or situation identified by the utterance context, whereas a deictic expression points to something through deixis, such as “there” or “tomorrow”.