Explanation
A situation in which the linguistic wording alone does not determine the fully understood meaning. Understanding thus appears as a supplementary act that incorporates world knowledge, context, and intention.
Example
“It is cold” can be a statement of fact, a request, or a warning, without this being fully encoded in the sentence structure.
Counterexample
An unambiguously encoded tense is not underdetermined simply because its content is unknown.
Distinction
Distinction from implicature: A clearly encoded tense is not underdetermined simply because its content is unknown.
Effect on thought and perception
Understanding emerges as a supplementary act that incorporates world knowledge, situation, and intention.
Resonance
Underdetermination makes a directed relationship perceptible: Understanding becomes visible as a supplementary process that incorporates world knowledge, situation, and intention.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Underdetermination“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-134-009. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-134-009The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.