Pragmatics (linguistics)

Pragmatics is all about the way we use words when we talk to each other. Have you ever heard someone say something that you didn't quite understand, even though the words made sense? That can happen when we don't understand the context or meaning behind the words.

For example, let's say you're at a party and someone says, "Wow, you look really nice today." You might think, "Thanks, but what does that have to do with anything?" But if you knew that the person saying it was trying to flirt with you, it would make more sense.

Pragmatics is all about figuring out the hidden meanings and intentions behind what people say. It's like being a detective! Sometimes people say things that are meant to be jokes, or to make a point, or to be helpful. We have to use our knowledge of social situations and context to understand what people really mean.

So, pragmatics helps us understand how words can be used in different ways depending on the situation, and how we can use words to communicate our own intentions and meaning to others.