First Known Use: 1922
Dictionary
phatic
adjective phat·ic \ˈfa-tik\
Definition of PHATIC
: of, relating to, or being speech used for social or emotive purposes rather than for communicating information
— phat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of PHATIC
Greek phatos, verbal of phanai to speak
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