ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-SEM-W0118 · ATLAS 260

Family resemblance

A category structure held together by overlapping similarities rather than one feature shared by every member.

Part of the subject path Semantics and Signs

Why is this entry in the Atlas?

A · Analytical concept R1 · Distinct contribution to understanding

Family resemblance adds categories without one universal essential feature alongside strict feature definitions. Overlapping relations must be demonstrated rather than merely asserting a lack of unity.

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

Family resemblance describes categories whose members are connected by overlapping networks of similarities although no single essential feature need be shared by all. One item resembles a second in one respect and a third in another; the category remains coherent even when the intersection of all features is empty. The concept does not abolish strict definitions in general and does not permit arbitrary membership. Usage, exemplary cases, historical development, and decisions at the boundary stabilise the network. The conceptual movement abandons the search for one essence, follows concrete lines of similarity, and still asks what limits the category and makes it practically sustainable.

Movement of thought

1. A category is first examined as though every member had to possess the same defining feature. 2. Counterexamples reveal that different members share different bundles of relevant characteristics. 3. Analysis maps overlapping series, typical centres, and transitions instead of one universal intersection. 4. A counter-test searches for rules, institutional stipulations, or clear criteria that may support a classical definition. 5. The category emerges as ordered kinship whose openness is held by usage and defensible boundaries.

Scientific use case

Semantics, conceptual history, and philosophy of science can compare feature matrices, prototypes, and borderline cases. The dimensions of resemblance and actual categorisation practices must be established empirically.

Example

Board games, ball games, role-playing games, and word games do not all share competition, equipment, or amusement; rules, repetition, roles, skill, and voluntary participation nevertheless overlap across the field.

Counterexample

Even integers are not grouped merely by family resemblance because one formal criterion determines every member. Nor does accidental similarity in just any respect establish meaningful category membership.

Distinction

Distinguish family resemblance from polysemy as multiple meanings of an expression, prototype as a particularly typical member, and mere analogy. It describes the structure of an entire category network.

Effect on thought and perception

The model makes fuzzy and historically mobile concepts analysable without erasing their differences. Used without control, however, it can conceal necessary criteria and overvalue any perceived resemblance.

Resonance

Coherence arises not from one core but from many intersecting lines. A category continues to sound because its members answer one another partially rather than identically.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Family resemblance“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-SEM-W0118. ATLAS 260, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-SEM-W0118

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-SEM-W0118

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

Historical background

Mill's inspected 1882 printing describes classes used through general resemblance even when their common attributes are not precisely analysed, treating this chiefly as a reason for caution. Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations §§66–67 instead asks us to inspect the changing similarities among games rather than demand one feature common to all. The German Familienähnlichkeiten is rendered as family resemblances in the inspected revised English edition of 2009, translated by Anscombe, Hacker and Schulte. These are paired witnesses to one argument, not two national theories. Mill's concern and Wittgenstein's overlapping network should not be flattened into continuous agreement or confused with unlimited similarity in any arbitrary respect.

How conceptual history changes the analysis

A resemblance network can be organised without one essential feature shared by every member.

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.