Definition
Indefiniteness is a kind of definiteness indicating that the referent(s) of an expression are not presumed to be identifiable.
The referent is not identifiable because of a lack of shared knowledge or situation, including no previous mention of the referent.
Discussion
Certain demonstratives and pronouns often are used to indicate indefiniteness.
Examples
(English)
Here are some examples of words that indicate indefiniteness:
- a
- some
- somebody
Sources 5
- Pei and Gaynor 1954, 98
- Crystal 1980, 263
- Lyons 1968, 276
- Mish 1991, 612
- Hawkins, J. 1978, 202