hysteron proteron

noun

hys·ter·on prot·er·on ˌhi-stə-ˌrän-ˈprä-tə-ˌrän

-tə-rən-ˈprä-tə-rən,

-ˈprȯ-

: a figure of speech consisting of the reversal of a natural or rational order (as in "then came the thunder and the lightning")

Examples of hysteron proteron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In hysteron proteron the logical order or sequence of objects or events is reversed. —

Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hysteron proteron.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek, literally, (the) later earlier, (the) latter first

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of hysteron proteron was in 1555

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Hysteron proteron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hysteron%20proteron. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Copy Citation