説明中心

expletive

[ˈɛksplətɪv]

expletive Definition

  • 1an oath or swear word
  • 2a word or phrase used to fill out a sentence or a line of verse without adding to the sense

Using expletive: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "expletive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He muttered an expletive under his breath.

  • Example

    The use of expletives is not allowed in this establishment.

  • Example

    The song's lyrics were filled with expletives.

  • Example

    She used an expletive to emphasize her frustration.

expletive Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for expletive

Phrases with expletive

  • a phrase used to indicate that a word or phrase has been removed, usually because it is offensive or inappropriate

    Example

    The transcript contained several instances of 'expletive deleted'.

  • the insertion of an expletive into a word or phrase for emphasis or humor, such as 'abso-bloody-lutely'

    Example

    The comedian's routine was filled with expletive infixation.

  • a sentence structure that includes an expletive, such as 'there is' or 'it is', used to introduce a clause or sentence

    Example

    The expletive construction 'there is' can be replaced with the more concise 'is' in some cases.

Origins of expletive

from Latin 'expletivus', meaning 'filling out'

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Summary: expletive in Brief

The term 'expletive' [ˈɛksplətɪv] refers to either an oath or swear word, or a word or phrase used to fill out a sentence or line of verse without adding to the sense. It is often used for emphasis or humor, as in 'abso-bloody-lutely.' The phrase 'expletive deleted' indicates that a word or phrase has been removed, while 'expletive construction' refers to a sentence structure that includes an expletive.