ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-CORE-243-026 · ATLAS 251

Pars pro toto

A synecdochic designation of a whole by means of a characteristic part.

Explanation

A synecdochic designation of a whole by means of a characteristic part. It focuses a segment so strongly that it evokes the larger unit by proxy.

Example

All hands on deck refers to the entire crew.

Counterexample

Merely mentioning “Pars pro toto” without the described function is not a sufficient example.

Distinction

Metonymy is generally based on association; pars pro toto requires a part-whole relation.

Effect on thought and perception

It focuses a segment so strongly that it evokes the larger unit by proxy.

Resonance

In the atlas, Pars pro toto 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.): „Pars pro toto“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-CORE-243-026. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-CORE-243-026

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-CORE-243-026

The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.