Enclitic

/ɛnˈklɪtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or denoting a word that has lost its stress and become attached phonetically to the previous word.

Etymology

From enclisis + -ic (suffix forming adjectives); from Greek 'enkritikos' (one who leans in), based on enklisis.

Kelly Says

In English, words like 'em' (them) and 's (is) are enclitic—they're so attached to the word before them that they almost disappear, like 'I's already done' or 'look'em over.'

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