Explanation
A gradual weakening or a surprising decline in a sequence. In the atlas, anticlimax is explored as a relationship between form, expectation, and effect. It lowers expectations and can generate humor or disillusionment.
Example
He lost his kingdom, his house, his key.
Counterexample
He came, saw, and conquered—as a rising or intensified sequence.
Distinction
“He came, saw, and conquered,” as a rising or heightened sequence.
Effect on thought and perception
The term lowers expectations and can generate humor or disillusionment. As a result, a linguistic order that was previously taken for granted becomes perceptible as an active mental process.
Resonance
Resonance arises when an anticlimax is not only recognized but also experienced in its directional effect between expression, body, context, and interpretation.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Anticlimax“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-091-008. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-008The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.