Exhaustivity

/ɪɡˌzɔːstɪˈvɪti/ noun

Definition

The quality or degree to which something is exhaustive or complete; in linguistics, the property of covering all relevant members of a category.

Etymology

From exhaustive plus the Latin-derived suffix -ity. A technical term used primarily in formal semantics and logic since the mid-20th century.

Kelly Says

In linguistics, exhaustivity explains why 'Who did you invite?' is asking you to list literally everyone invited—the question presupposes you'll exhaust the entire group!

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