tenor in formal semantics

In formal semantics, "tenor" refers to the underlying meaning or concept being expressed in a statement or comparison. It is the subject or theme that is being discussed, often contrasted with the "vehicle," which is the means through which the tenor is conveyed. For example, in the metaphor "Time is a thief," the tenor is "time," and the vehicle is "thief." Understanding tenor helps clarify how language conveys deeper meanings and relationships, allowing us to analyze and interpret communication more effectively.