What does performative mean?
Relating to or being a statement or action that performs the action it describes, often used in linguistics and philosophy to describe speech acts. For example, the phrase 'I promise' is a performative statement because it performs the action of promising.
Example
"The philosopher's use of performative language in her speech was a key aspect of her argument."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.