Explanation
Kairos joins time to judgment. Not every true or good argument is fitting or effective at every moment. The movement reads the concrete situation, recognizes a window of opportunity, and determines measure, tone, and action—including the possibility of not speaking yet.
Example
The criticism is well founded but voiced only after the joint review, when it can be heard as testable rather than merely threatening.
Counterexample
I will say it at three o'clock. A clock time alone is not yet kairos.
Distinction
Distinguish it from chronos: chronos measures time; kairos judges occasion. Distinguish it from mere opportunism: situational fitness does not suspend factual or ethical examination.
Effect on thought and perception
Directs thought toward the temporal and relational conditions of effect without reducing truth to effectiveness.
Resonance
A possibility is fully connectable only briefly; attention listens for the moment when its path is open.
Etymology
Greek kairos · the right or decisive moment
Provenance
Oxford glossary → HWRh cross-check where available → movement-of-thought analysis → ATLAS 235
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Kairos“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-OXD-0005. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-OXD-0005The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.