expletive
UK: /ɪkˈspliːtɪv/ | US: /ˈɛksplətɪv/
n. a word or phrase used to fill out a sentence or line without adding meaning, often for emphasis or rhythm
n. a swear word or oath, typically considered vulgar or offensive
Derived from Latin expletivus ("serving to fill out"), from expletus, past participle of explere ("to fill out"). The root ex- ("out") + plere ("to fill") reflects the word's original sense of "filling up" linguistic space. By the 17th century, it evolved to denote grammatical fillers (e.g., "there" in "there is"), later narrowing to vulgar interjections in the 19th century—highlighting how "filling" speech took on negative connotations.
The poet used "oh" as an expletive to maintain the meter.
He muttered an expletive under his breath after dropping the heavy box.
In formal writing, avoid unnecessary expletives like "it is" or "there are."
The comedian's routine was peppered with humorous expletives.
She replaced the expletive in her draft with a more precise phrase.