noun

enclitic

en-KLIT-ik

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Enclitic (noun) means a short word or particle that attaches to and is pronounced with the word before it. Example: “The contracted 've in 'we've' functions as an enclitic in English.”

noun

linguistics A short word or particle that attaches to and is pronounced with the word before it.

"The contracted 've in 'we've' functions as an enclitic in English."

"Linguists debate how many enclitics a single sentence can carry."

"In this language, the possessive marker is an enclitic rather than a separate word."

adjective

grammar Attached to and pronounced as part of the preceding word.

"The suffix is described as enclitic because it leans on the word before it."

"Some grammarians label the particle an enclitic form."

"The enclitic pronoun merges with the verb in speech."

How to use enclitic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA little word part that leans on and joins the word just before it.

When to use it

This is a technical term used mainly in linguistics and grammar.

Memory tip

Contrast enclitic with proclitic: an enclitic leans backward onto the previous word, a proclitic leans forward onto the next one.

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Easily confused with

proclitic clitic →

Common pairings

an enclitic pronoun an enclitic particle enclitic form function as an enclitic

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The contracted 've in 'we've' functions as an _____ in English.

Etymology

Enclitic derives from Late Latin encliticus, taken from the Ancient Greek enklitikos, meaning inclined towards. That Greek word comes from enklinein, to lean on, itself built from en, meaning upon, and klinein, to lean.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for enclitic

clitic critic Semitic politic parasitic

See all rhymes for enclitic →

Frequently asked questions

What does enclitic mean?

An enclitic is a short word or ending that attaches itself to the word before it, both in speech and often in writing.

What is an example of an enclitic in English?

The shortened 've in a phrase like we've behaves as an enclitic, joining onto the preceding word.

What is a related term to enclitic?

A related term is proclitic, a clitic that attaches to the following word rather than the one before it.

What is the meaning of enclitic?

"enclitic" (noun) means a short word or particle that attaches to and is pronounced with the word before it.