An example of holophrasis is when a child says the word 'cookie.' Depending on the context, this single-word utterance could convey different complete thoughts, such as identifying an object ('That is a cookie') or making a request ('I want a cookie').

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Holophrasis is a key feature of the one-word stage where a single word is used to convey a complete, more complex thought or idea. Although a child's utterance is just one word, it often functions as a full sentence, with the specific meaning dependent on context.

Holophrasis in the One-Word Stage

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Example of Holophrasis

A 16-month-old child points to a gallon of milk on the kitchen counter and says the single word, 'More!' The child just finished their cup of milk a moment ago. Which of the following interpretations best demonstrates the principle of a single word being used to convey a complete, complex thought?

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