ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-091-003 · ATLAS 251

Synecdoche

The substitution of an expression with a reference to a part, the whole, or a type.

Explanation

The substitution of an expression with a reference to a part, the whole, or a genus. In the atlas, synecdoche is explored as a relationship between form, expectation, and effect. It directs attention between the part and the whole.

Example

We need more hands.

Counterexample

The office decided when the location stands metonymically for the institution.

Distinction

The office decided when the location stands metonymically for the institution.

Effect on thought and perception

The term directs attention between the part and the whole. As a result, a linguistic order that was previously taken for granted becomes perceptible as an active mental process.

Resonance

Resonance arises when synecdoche is not only recognized but also experienced in its directional effect between expression, body, context, and interpretation.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Synecdoche“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-091-003. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-003

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-003

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