Rhemes

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ɹiːmz/

Definitions

  1. Plural terms that refer to units of meaning in linguistics that follow the topic or theme in a sentence ; alternate historical or dialect spellings for "rheum," meaning watery discharge from the eyes or nose
  2. Words denoting multiple instances of a grammatical element expressing new information after the subject ; also representing outdated variants of the word for mucous secretion
  3. Multiple items indicating the comment part of a clause in linguistic analysis ; or old forms for the word referencing fluid excreted from facial membranes

Etymology: The term "rhemes" originates from the study of linguistics and semantics, particularly within the framework of information structure and pragmatics. It is a plural form derived from "rheme," a concept introduced in the early 20th century to describe the part of a sentence that conveys new or focal information, as opposed to what is already known or assumed. This distinction between given and new information plays a crucial role in how meaning is constructed and understood in communication. The root of the word traces back to the Greek "rhēma," meaning "that which is said" or simply "word," stemming from the verb "rheîn," meaning "to flow." The Greek term emphasized the idea of something spoken or uttered, reflecting the dynamic and flowing nature of speech. The linguistic adoption of "rheme" preserves this connection, conceptualizing it as the "flow" of new information within an utterance. In English, "rheme" entered scholarly discourse relatively recently, primarily in linguistic circles from the mid-20th century onward. It was popularized through the work of linguists exploring how sentences are structured not just syntactically but in terms of the information they convey. The notion complements "theme," which refers to the part of the sentence that provides the context or known information. Over time, "rhemes" has become a technical term used to analyze discourse, highlighting how speakers manage the flow of information to guide listeners’ attention. It captures the idea that language is not just a vehicle for facts but a carefully structured process of introducing and emphasizing ideas. The plural form "rhemes" reflects the multiple units of new information that can exist in complex sentences or discourse segments, emphasizing the layered and nuanced nature of communication.

Synonyms: themes, topics, subjects, ideas, meanings