ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-133-047 · ATLAS 260

Rhema

A sign that represents a possible property or open predication without asserting it as a fact.

Part of the subject path Semantics and Signs

Why is this entry in the Atlas?

A · Analytical concept R1 · Distinct contribution to understanding

Peirce's rheme provides a way to analyse possible qualities without an assertion of actuality. A sense label is necessary to keep this semiotic category apart from rheme in information structure.

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 Charles S. Peirce's semiotics, a rheme is a sign representing a qualitative possibility or open predication without asserting it as fact. It resembles a concept or predicate with an unfilled position: it may apply to something but does not by itself say that it actually does. The category is not tied to one part of speech; an image or complex expression may also function rhematically. The conceptual movement separates represented quality from assertion, keeps the referential position open, and asks how combination with further signs transforms the rheme into a proposition.

Movement of thought

1. The sign is tested for whether it offers a possible quality or relation. 2. Open positions for objects or participants are made explicit. 3. The analysis asks whether there is already a truth claim or only possible applicability. 4. Combination with identifying signs reveals the transition to a complete proposition. 5. Alternative semiotic media test whether the function extends beyond parts of speech.

Scientific use case

Semiotics, logic, image theory, and concept research use the rheme to analyse different sign functions. Responsible application must state Peirce's categories and avoid simply equating rheme with grammatical predicate.

Example

The expression “is transparent” opens a property position without specifying what fills it. Only combination with “this glass” produces a statement that can be evaluated as true or false.

Counterexample

A complete declarative is not merely a rheme when it asserts a relation as actual and can be true or false. Nor is an unintelligible fragment automatically rhematic; it must represent a determinable possibility or quality.

Distinction

Distinguish the semiotic rheme from rheme in information structure, from grammatical predicate, and from the dicent. Here it means Peirce's sign type of possible predication without assertion of actuality.

Effect on thought and perception

Rhematic signs open possibilities without fixing them as facts. They provide qualitative materials for description, classification, and imagination while keeping the transition from concept to assertion visible.

Resonance

A property hovers as possibility, still without bearer or factual claim. Connection with an object turns open sense into a determinate statement.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Rhema“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-133-047. ATLAS 260, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-047

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-047

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

Historical background

In the 1903 Syllabus, Peirce discusses the rhematic symbol as a general term. It makes a possible character available without yet asserting its application to a particular object.

How conceptual history changes the analysis

Separate a property available for predication from an assertion applying it. This Peircean sense must not be conflated with “rheme” as the informative part of a topic–comment structure.

Additional example

Original example: An empty sorting field labelled “fragile” supplies a possible category. Assigning a particular bowl makes a further move. Countercheck: A complete assertion about that bowl is not just the isolated term.

References for the historical section

Historical source evidence and Atlas applications remain separate; this import does not assert new first attestations or a fresh exhaustive source verification.