Case role

The term case role denotes a semantic role and is used especially in work influenced by Fillmore (1968).

Synonyms

 * semantic role
 * thematic relation
 * thematic role
 * Θ-role (Theta role)
 * semantic function
 * kāraka

Origin
Fillmore (1968) uses the terms deep structure cases (1968:21), case relationships (1968:21), deep cases (1968:32), which became widely known. The term case role probably became the most widespread term, used often without reference to Fillmore's work (e.g. Givón 1984:97 and passim).