Explanation
A construction in ergative languages that emphasizes the agent and de-emphasizes or omits the patient. The same action is grammatically restructured so that a different participant becomes the syntactic focus.
Example
A transitive action appears with the agent emphasized and the patient less central.
Counterexample
The passive typically emphasizes the patient and should not be equated with the antipassive.
Distinction
Distinguishing from ergativity: The passive typically emphasizes the patient and is not equivalent to the antipassive.
Effect on thought and perception
The same action is grammatically restructured so that a different participant forms the syntactic focus.
Resonance
The antipassive makes a directed relationship perceptible: The same action is grammatically restructured so that a different participant forms the syntactic focus.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Antipassive“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-133-044. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-044The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.