nondefiniteness

Nondefiniteness is a term used in linguistics to describe noun phrases or expressions that do not specify a definite, uniquely identifiable referent in the discourse context. It contrasts with definiteness, where the speaker assumes the listener can identify a particular entity. Nondefinite expressions often introduce new referents or refer to a class rather than a single object.

Typical nondefinite forms in English include indefinite articles such as “a” and “an” in “a cat,” bare plurals like “cats,” and quantificational phrases such as “some cats” or “many cats.” In languages with definite articles, nondefiniteness can be signaled by omitting the definite article or by using an indefinite marker; in languages without articles, nondefiniteness may be conveyed by demonstratives, numerals, or context.

In semantics and pragmatics, indefinites are often analyzed as introducing a discourse referent that is not uniquely identifiable. They may have existential force (there exists such an entity) or be non-specific, depending on the sentence and context. The relationship between nondefiniteness and definiteness interacts with issues of information structure, speech acts, and discourse coherence.

Cross-linguistic research shows wide variation in how languages encode nondefiniteness, with some languages lacking articles entirely and others using a rich system of demonstratives and case marking. Nondefiniteness is thus a useful concept for studying how languages manage referential uncertainty and discourse introduction.