Explanation
A perceptual organisation in which a salient element appears against a less attended background. It shows that visibility arises relationally: what becomes figure depends on what recedes as ground.
Example
In The vase stands on the table, the vase is more strongly focused than the table.
Counterexample
Merely mentioning “Figure-ground organisation” without the described function is not a sufficient example.
Distinction
Do not mistake it for a fixed property of the object; figure and ground may reverse.
Effect on thought and perception
It shows that visibility arises relationally: what becomes figure depends on what recedes as ground.
Resonance
In the atlas, Figure-ground organisation closes 1 previously unresolved reference line(s) and opens controlled paths of thought.
Etymology
Technical core term; individual etymological review pending
Provenance
ATLAS 241 residual-case triage → profile candidate 241-A → source and neighbourhood cross-check → ATLAS 242
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Figure-ground organisation“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-CORE-242-022. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-CORE-242-022The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.