ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-HAR11-0010 · ATLAS 260

Synantesis (introverted repetition)

In Bullinger’s terminology, synantesis is the recurrence of phrases in inverted order.

Part of the subject path Rhetoric and Style

Why is this entry in the Atlas?

F · Figure / procedure R1 · Distinct contribution to understanding

In the explicitly identified synantesis tradition, phrases return in reversed order. This is a demonstrable textual movement, not merely a metaphor for thoughts meeting.

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

A sequence such as A–B–B′–A′ makes the returning phrase structure inspectable. The reference describes a phrase-level figure, not an abstract convergence of ideas. The German Atlas label Synantese is identified as an editorial correspondence; it does not establish a German first attestation.

Movement of thought

1. Mark the recurrent phrases. 2. Test their ordering as A–B–B′–A′ or a demonstrable related pattern. 3. Distinguish inversion from mere thematic resemblance.

Scientific use case

Rhetorical analysis marks phrase boundaries and tests the proposed inversion against the wording before interpreting its effect.

Example

Original structural example: “We test the words, we test the images; the images change our view, the words change our judgement.” The topics return in reversed order.

Counterexample

“Historical order and present use are important” adds two considerations. Without a staged encounter, countermovement, or reciprocal alteration, it is not synantesis in this reconstructed sense.

Distinction

Opposition or thematic convergence alone is insufficient. The repeated phrases and their inverted ordering must be identifiable.

Effect on thought and perception

Attention retraces a linguistically articulated sequence.

Resonance

The returning expression carries the intervening passage back into its earlier meaning.

Provenance

Accepted editorial clarification, 15 October 2026, packages D01–D11; original canonical evidence retained separately.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Synantesis (introverted repetition)“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-HAR11-0010. ATLAS 260, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-HAR11-0010

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-HAR11-0010

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

Source-specific historical context · editorial revision

Bullinger’s 1898 Synantesis entry describes inverted phrase repetition. It supports the structural model, while the German correspondence Synantese remains an editorial designation, not a demonstrated German first attestation.

Status of this clarification

Editorially accepted on 15 October 2026. The sources and limitations named in the profile support this reading. A superseded conflicting profile is not displayed as an additional current explanation; the original evidence remains archived unchanged. This does not assert a new first attestation or exhaustive verification.