rheme: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Technical/Linguistic)Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “rheme” mean?
In linguistics, the part of a clause or sentence that provides new information, often following the theme.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In linguistics, the part of a clause or sentence that provides new information, often following the theme.
In semiotics and rhetoric, the element of a proposition that is affirmed or denied about the subject, representing what is being said about the topic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; term is identical in British and American academic linguistics.
Connotations
Technical, theoretical, descriptive. No negative/positive connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside academic linguistics; equal frequency in UK/US academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “rheme” in a Sentence
Noun + of + Noun (the rheme of the clause)Adjective + rheme (new rheme, focal rheme)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rheme” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No verb form in standard usage.
American English
- No verb form in standard usage.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form.
American English
- No adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form. 'Rhematic' is a rarely used technical derivative.
American English
- No standard adjective form. 'Rhematic' is a rarely used technical derivative.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used
Academic
Used in linguistics, semiotics, discourse analysis, and sometimes philosophy of language.
Everyday
Not used
Technical
Core term in functional linguistics and text analysis.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rheme”
- Misspelling as 'reme' or 'rheam'.
- Confusing with 'rhyme' due to identical pronunciation.
- Using in non-linguistic contexts where simpler terms like 'point' or 'focus' are appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in linguistics and related academic fields.
The 'theme' is the starting point or topic of the message (often known information), while the 'rheme' is what is said about the theme (the new or focal information).
It would be inappropriate and confusing in everyday conversation. Simpler terms like 'the point', 'the new part', or 'the focus' should be used instead.
It originates from the Greek word 'rhēma', meaning 'that which is said' or 'word, phrase'. It was adopted into linguistic terminology in the 20th century.
In linguistics, the part of a clause or sentence that provides new information, often following the theme.
Rheme is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Rheme: in British English it is pronounced /riːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /rim/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No established idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RHEME = REveals the MEssage (the new part of the sentence).
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A STRUCTURE (with theme as foundation and rheme as the building upon it).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary field where the term 'rheme' is used?