différance

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. 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.

Word forms

différance

Etymology

From French différance (“deferral”) (coined in this sense by Derrida), from différer (“to postpone”); but punning on différence (“difference”).

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