Explanation
The semantic or grammatical role of the entity acting or causing an event. It directs attention to whom a sentence assigns agency.
Example
The wind opened the door: the wind appears as agent.
Counterexample
Merely mentioning “Agent” without the described function is not a sufficient example.
Distinction
Do not equate it with a narrower subtype or a merely adjacent concept; the defining function is decisive.
Effect on thought and perception
It directs attention to whom a sentence assigns agency.
Resonance
In the atlas, Agent forms a node joined by 2 previously unresolved reference lines.
Etymology
Technical core term; individual etymological review pending
Provenance
Unresolved relation network → second core-concept review → Metzler/HWRh cross-check → ATLAS 239
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Agent“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-CORE-239-001. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-CORE-239-001The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.