différance
See also: differance
English edit
Etymology edit
From French différance (“deferral”) (coined in this sense by Derrida), from différer (“to postpone”); but punning on différence (“difference”).
Noun edit
différance (uncountable)
- (literary theory, linguistics) The endless deferral of any ultimate meaning in a word or sentence, owing to the necessity of recourse to a potentially infinite series of other, equally uncertain words or signs.
Translations edit
the endless deferral of any ultimate meaning in a word or sentence
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French edit
Etymology edit
Coined by Jacques Derrida in 1959 from différer + -ance, as a pun on the homophonous word différence.
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
différance f (plural différances)
- (literary theory, linguistics) différance