prolepsis

noun

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pro·lep·sis | \ prō-ˈlep-səs

plural prolepses\ prō-ˈlep-ˌsēz

Definition of prolepsis

: anticipation: such as

a : the representation or assumption of a future act or development as if presently existing or accomplished

b : the application of an adjective to a noun in anticipation of the result of the action of the verb (as in "while yon slow oxen turn the furrowed plain")

Other Words from prolepsis Example Sentences Learn More About prolepsis

Other Words from prolepsis

proleptic \ prō-ˈlep-tik

\ adjective

proleptically \ prō-ˈlep-ti-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

Examples of prolepsis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Usually prolepsis is used to make an ending more tidy by resolving plotlines and squaring futures neatly away. — Christine Smallwood, Harper's magazine, 16 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prolepsis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.