Explanation
The property of an expression or sign structure whose composition does not make its meaning or reference immediately transparent. It slows inference from parts to whole and requires convention, context, history, or special rules to be included.
Example
The meaning of a fixed idiom cannot be calculated from its individual words.
Counterexample
Merely mentioning “Opacity” without the described function is not a sufficient example.
Distinction
Hermeticism may be an aesthetic strategy; opacity more generally denotes a lack of formal or semantic transparency.
Effect on thought and perception
It slows inference from parts to whole and requires convention, context, history, or special rules to be included.
Resonance
In the atlas, Opacity 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-B → source and neighbourhood cross-check → ATLAS 243
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Opacity“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-CORE-243-024. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-CORE-243-024The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.