epistemic (adj.)

A term derived from modal logic and used by some LINGUISTS as part of a theoretical framework for the analysis of MODAL VERBS and related STRUCTURES in LANGUAGE. ‘Epistemic logic’ is concerned with the logical structure of statements which assert or imply that PROPOSITIONS are known or believed, e.g. the use of modals in SENTENCES such as The car must be ready, i.e. ‘It is surely the case that the car is ready’. It contrasts with ALETHIC and DEONTIC modality, which would interpret this sentence respectively as ‘It is metaphysically necessary for the car to be ready’ and ‘It is obligatory to ensure that the car be ready’.