Apophantic

/ˌæpəˈfæntɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or capable of making clear statements that can be judged as true or false; used in philosophy to describe language that makes definite assertions.

Etymology

From Greek apophantikos, from apophainein meaning 'to declare or show forth,' from apo- (away) + phainein (to show). The term entered philosophical discourse to describe propositional statements that have truth value.

Kelly Says

Aristotle used this term to distinguish sentences that actually claim something about the world (apophantic statements like 'snow is white') from other utterances like questions or commands—it's the philosophical foundation for why some sentences can be proven true or false while others can't.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.