Abstract
The definitional responses on standardized tests of 49 children, ages 3–15, give evidence of a transitional stage in defining which is called “hypothetical.” Definitions of this stage are indicated by “hypothetical markers.” Five hypothetical markers are described briefly and one,like, in greater detail. The relationship oflike to taxonomic conceptual structure and to synonymy is stressed. The roles oflike in language development, logical inference, and communication are discussed.
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Litowitz, B.E. Hypothetical speech: A developmental perspective. J Psycholinguist Res 10, 289–312 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01067509
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01067509