Of Course
"Of course" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in the English language. It serves multiple functions depending on context, including:
-
Affirmation/Agreement: It expresses strong agreement or affirmation with a statement or request. In this sense, it signifies that something is obviously true or acceptable.
-
Emphasis/Confirmation: It can emphasize or confirm a preceding statement, often implying that the information is well-known or should be obvious.
-
Condescension/Sarcasm (Context Dependent): Depending on the tone and context, "of course" can be used condescendingly or sarcastically. In such cases, it implies that the speaker believes the other person should have already known something, or that the statement is foolish or self-evident.
-
Polite Acceptance/Compliance: It can be used as a polite way to accept a request or invitation, indicating willingness and ease of compliance.
The meaning of "of course" is highly dependent on intonation, body language, and the surrounding conversation. It is a versatile phrase that can convey a range of attitudes and intentions.