Explanation
Contiguity in the context of metonymy is a connection through proximity or contextual association. It need not be spatial: people, actions, places and products can be linked within a familiar event or knowledge frame. Such a connection may support using one designation to refer to something else within that frame. It is not simply any association, and an available relationship does not itself demonstrate metonymic use. Analysis must establish which connection an expression activates and how it supports the intended reference.
Movement of thought
1. Identify the literal referent. 2. Infer the contextual referent. 3. Specify a connecting knowledge frame. 4. Describe the relevant relationship. 5. Test alternative interpretations.
Scientific use case
Metonymy analysis can annotate spatial, production and participation relationships separately and test their contextual dependence.
Example
“The whole hall applauded” can refer through a place to the people gathered there, using their presence in that location.
Counterexample
Two objects may look alike without being contiguous in the relevant sense; resemblance provides a different relationship.
Distinction
Distinguish contiguity from similarity, merely personal association and an actual instance of metonymy.
Effect on thought and perception
Contiguity explains how reference can shift within shared knowledge.
Resonance
A word evokes a neighbour within shared knowledge, allowing that neighbour to be understood.
Provenance
Parallel source review reconciled 2026-10-07; human specialist review not claimed.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Contiguity“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-NAV-G03-045. ATLAS 259, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G03-045The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. Editorial reading state: 2026-10-15. Include your access date for precise references.