expletive
1ex·ple·tive
noun \ˈek-splə-tiv\Definition of EXPLETIVE
1
a : a syllable, word, or phrase inserted to fill a vacancy (as in a sentence or a metrical line) without adding to the sense; especially : a word (as it in “make it clear which you prefer”) that occupies the position of the subject or object of a verb in normal English word order and anticipates a subsequent word or phrase that supplies the needed meaningful content b : an exclamatory word or phrase; especially : one that is obscene or profane
2
: one that serves to fill out or as a filling
See Examples of EXPLETIVE
- Angry expletives filled the air.
- Expletives were deleted from the transcript of their conversation.
First Known Use of EXPLETIVE
1612
Related to EXPLETIVE
Synonyms: curse, cuss, cussword, dirty word, swearword, four-letter word, obscenity, profanity, swear, vulgarism
Related Words: bawdry, language, scurrility; execration, imprecation, malediction; epithet, name; oath
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
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