ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-NAV-G02-051 · ATLAS 259

Explicature

In relevance theory, an explicature is an explicitly communicated assumption obtained by pragmatically developing the linguistically encoded logical form.

Part of the subject path Pragmatics and Conversation

Why is this entry in the Atlas?

A · Analytical concept R1 · Distinct contribution to understanding

Explicature adds pragmatic enrichment of explicitly communicated content beyond the encoded sentence. The relevance-theoretic distinction must remain labelled rather than presented as theory-neutral fact.

Colours and admission grounds

The rectangular label identifies the entry function: F – linguistic figure or procedure; A – analytical concept; G – foundational concept; E – selected concrete case. The rounded badge indicates the admission ground: R1 – distinctive contribution; R2 – necessary foundation; R3 – justified illustrative case. This editorial rationale explains the current selection rather than claiming an undocumented original selection history.

Explanation

In relevance theory, an explicature is explicitly communicated content obtained by pragmatically developing linguistically encoded meaning. On this account, even explicit content is not supplied by lexical meanings alone: references must be assigned and contextually open material completed. An explicature develops the linguistic basis, whereas an implicature is treated as a further inferred content. This boundary is theoretical and is drawn differently in other frameworks. Explicit therefore does not mean fully expressed word for word.

Movement of thought

1. Identify the linguistically encoded basis. 2. Resolve reference and open completions. 3. Formulate the developed propositional content. 4. Record further inferences separately.

Scientific use case

A pragmatic analysis could compare contexts for the same utterance and make proposed enrichments explicit.

Example

Before departure, Mira says in a constructed exchange, “I am ready.” Ready for the agreed departure develops the explicit content; “You should start the engine now” would be a further possible inference.

Counterexample

Not every contextual thought belongs to an explicature. Its derivation and relation to the linguistic form need justification.

Distinction

Distinguish literal sentence meaning, explication as explanation and implicature. Explicature is a relevance-theoretic concept, not a neutral label for everything understood.

Effect on thought and perception

The concept can reveal how context already contributes to explicitly communicated meaning.

Resonance

Between spoken words, the jointly inferred situation is at work.

Provenance

Parallel source review reconciled 2026-10-07; human specialist review not claimed.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Explicature“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-NAV-G02-051. ATLAS 259, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G02-051

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G02-051

The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. Editorial reading state: 2026-10-15. Include your access date for precise references.