Q-principle

proper noun

In the neo-Gricean semantics and pragmatics of Laurence R. Horn: a reformulation of Paul Grice's maxim of quantity combined with the first two submaxims of manner, stating: "Say as much as you can (given R)", and leading to the implicature that if the speaker did not make a stronger statement (or say more), then its denial is (implied to be) true.

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Meanings

proper nounthe Q-principle
  1. In the neo-Gricean semantics and pragmatics of Laurence R. Horn: a reformulation of Paul Grice's maxim of quantity combined with the first two submaxims of manner, stating: "Say as much as you can (given R)", and leading to the implicature that if the speaker did not make a stronger statement (or say more), then its denial is (implied to be) true.

Origin

Q stands for quantity.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Q-principle. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Q-principle

MLA

“Q-principle.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Q-principle. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Q-principle,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Q-principle.

Source: Q-principle on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.