1. relating to or denoting an utterance that performs an action by being spoken
Usage: linguistics; philosophy
2. done for show or to create a particular impression rather than from genuine conviction
Usage: often critical

1. a performative utterance or statement
Usage: linguistics

Examples

• The phrase ‘I promise’ is a performative utterance that creates a commitment.
• Wedding vows are classic examples of performative speech acts.
• Critics accused the politician of performative activism rather than real change.
• Her apology seemed performative and insincere.
• The company’s environmental initiatives were dismissed as performative gestures.
• In linguistics, performatives actually do something when spoken.
• The judge’s declaration ‘I now pronounce you married’ is a performative statement.