performatively

adverb

per·​for·​ma·​tive·​ly pər-ˈfȯr-mə-tiv-lē 

pə-

1

: in a performative way: such as

a

often disapproving : in a way that is made or done for show

One common pejorative on the right is … "social justice warriors," people whom they view as performatively interested in issues of equality.

—Philip Bump

The rebellious side of me wants to quit loudly and performatively, announcing my departure from some sort of moral high ground.

—Nuala Bishari

b

: by or through the repeated performance of socially prescribed acts and behaviors

There is no gender identity behind the expressions of gender; that identity is performatively constituted by the very "expressions" that are said to be its results.

—Judith Butler

The very fact that race or gender is an identifiable marker of difference, while simultaneously containing variation on those markers, suggests that identities are socially, performatively constructed.

—John T. Warren

c

grammar : in a way that serves to both specify and perform a certain act or that effects a transaction (see transaction sense 2b)

"I approve" can, of course, function performatively …

—Alan Tormey

2

: in terms of artistic performance (such as dance, music, or theater)

… performatively, [Alexandra] Mackenzie was unafraid of … making full use of the stage …

—Michael Rancic

Word History

Etymology

performative + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined at sense 1