Meaning of V form | Babel Free

Definitions

Noun. [B2]

Examples

“In most Romance languages, the “intimate” T form⟳ is believed to be semantically more basic than the “formal” V form⟳ (Wierzbicka 1992:320).”

“In general, the V form⟳ (Sie) is employed in German where interlocutors use⟳ a title and surname to refer⟳ nominally to each other, whereas the T form⟳ (du) is employed among interlocutors on first name⟳ terms (cf. Wein-rich, 1993: 822).”

“Historically, deciding whether to use⟳ the V or T form⟳ was determined by the power relationship between the interlocutors. Lower status persons addressed higher status persons with the V form⟳; conversely higher status persons addressed lower status with the T form⟳.”

“The T form⟳ is sometimes described as the 'familiar' form⟳ and the V form⟳ as the 'polite' one, although the social meanings of these forms are in reality much more complex than that.”

CEFR level