What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
extralinguistic
Example
The speaker's extralinguistic cues, such as hand gestures and facial expressions, helped to emphasize his point. [extralinguistic: adjective]
Example
The study of extralinguistic communication is important for understanding how meaning is conveyed beyond words. [extralinguistic: noun]
paralinguistic
Example
Her paralinguistic features, such as her tone and inflection, revealed her true feelings about the situation. [paralinguistic: adjective]
Example
The study of paralinguistic communication is important for understanding how meaning is conveyed through vocal cues. [paralinguistic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Paralinguistic is more commonly used than extralinguistic in everyday language. Paralinguistic is a term that is more widely recognized and used in fields such as linguistics and psychology, while extralinguistic is a term that is more commonly used in fields such as anthropology and sociology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between extralinguistic and paralinguistic?
Both extralinguistic and paralinguistic are formal terms that are used in academic and professional contexts. However, paralinguistic is more commonly used in everyday language and may be more versatile in terms of formality levels.
