ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-NAV-G03-048 · ATLAS 259

Concessivity

Concessivity presents a situation that holds despite a circumstance normally expected to prevent it.

Part of the subject path Syntax and Grammar

Why is this entry in the Atlas?

A · Analytical concept R1 · Distinct contribution to understanding

Concessivity adds persistence of a state of affairs against an expected obstacle alongside causal relations. The expectation relation matters rather than the mere presence of a word such as although.

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

Concessivity relates a state of affairs to another that would, under a relevant expectation, count against it. The expectation is not an exceptionless law. It may arise from general knowledge, local circumstances or previously stated assumptions. In “Although it is raining, we are going for a walk”, rain is invoked as a possible reason against the walk but overridden in this case. Analysis must identify the inferred expectation rather than merely search for a particular word. Not every use of but is concessive, and rhetorical concession does not always coincide with a grammatical concessive construction.

Movement of thought

1. Identify the related propositions. 2. Reconstruct a relevant expectation. 3. State the expected inference. 4. Test how this case defeats it. 5. Describe form and discourse function separately.

Scientific use case

Corpus research can compare concessive readings through explicit connectives and reconstructable expectations.

Example

“Although the task was difficult, Mira solved it quickly” relates an expectation about difficulty and completion time to an unexpected outcome.

Counterexample

“Lea is reading, but Nils is cooking” may express contrast without that same expectation structure.

Distinction

Distinguish concessivity from simple contrast, logical contradiction and rhetorical concession in general.

Effect on thought and perception

Concessivity marks an exception without necessarily abandoning the underlying expectation altogether.

Resonance

An objection remains audible, yet the sentence proceeds beyond it.

Provenance

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

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Concessivity“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-NAV-G03-048. ATLAS 259, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G03-048

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G03-048

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