Word of the Day: ‘Phatic’

phatic /făt′ĭk/
 
adjective
  1. Of or relating to communication used to perform a social function rather than to convey information or ideas.
  2. Pertaining to words used to convey any kind of social relationship e.g polite mood, rather than meaning; for example, "How are you?" is often not a literal question but is said only as a greeting. (Similarly, a response such as "Fine" is often not an accurate answer, but merely an acknowledgement of the greeting.).
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition • More at Wordnik
 
Don't confuse 'phatic' with 'vatic.' 
 
vatic /văt′ĭk/
 
adjective
  1. Of or characteristic of a prophet; oracular.
  2. Pertaining to a prophet; prophetic, oracular.
  3. Resembling or characteristic of a prophet or prophecy.
    "a kind of sibylline book with ready and infallible answers to questions"
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition • More at Wordnik