Demonstrativeindefinite

Demonstrativeindefinite is a term used in some linguistic descriptions to classify forms that fuse demonstrative and indefinite reference. Such forms can function either as pronouns or as determiners and are employed to refer to entities that are non-specific, unknown, or not yet individuated in the discourse, while also conveying a deictic orientation toward the speaker or listener.

Typologically, demonstrative-indefinites may appear as single words with combined meaning, as compound forms built from a demonstrative plus an indefinite marker, or as affixes or clitics attached to nouns or verbs. They are typically distinct from languages that maintain a strict separation between definite demonstratives and indefinite articles or pronouns. In languages with limited definite/indefinite marking, or in constructions that foreground deictic distance at the same time as indefiniteness, demonstrative-indefinites can arise as a compact solution for reference.

Semantically and syntactically, demonstrative-indefinites often designate non-specific referents without naming a particular individual, while still providing deictic information such as proximity or visibility. They may function as determiners that modify a noun to signal indefiniteness (for example, a form equivalent to “this/that thing” in English) or as stand-alone pronouns that point to an unspecified item in the discourse.

In diachronic terms, demonstrative-indefinite forms can develop when demonstratives acquire indefinite or non-specific readings, or when indefinite expressions compress with deictic markers. Cross-linguistic patterns show substantial variation in form and placement, reflecting broader typological differences in how languages mark definiteness, indefiniteness, and deictic distance.

See also: demonstratives, indefinites, pronouns, determiners.