Ostenzív

Ostenzív, or ostensive definition, is a method of defining a term by showing examples or pointing to its referents rather than by giving a descriptive criterion. In an ostensive definition, understanding comes from perception and demonstration: a teacher or speaker communicates the meaning by presenting concrete instances of the term and naming them.

In practice, ostensive definitions are common in language learning, early education, and everyday communication. For example, to define the word “red,” a person might point to several red objects and say “red.” This approach helps a learner connect the spoken word with its referents through direct experience, especially when the learner lacks prior vocabulary.

Philosophically, ostensive definitions are discussed as a way words acquire reference and as a contrast to definitions that rely on necessary and sufficient descriptive properties. They highlight the role of context, perceptual access, and shared attention in meaning. Ostension is particularly relevant to deixis and indexical expressions, where meaning depends on the speaker’s environment and pointing gestures.

Limitations of ostensive definitions include their inadequacy for abstract terms or for terms with many possible referents that cannot be demonstrated in a single setting. They also rely on the listener’s ability to perceive the referents and on a shared context, which may not always be available.

See also: ostensive definition, deixis, indexicals.