SINCE 1828
prolepsis
noun
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
proleptic
\ prō-ˈlep-tik
\
adjective
\
adjective
proleptically
\ prō-ˈlep-ti-k(ə-)lē
\
adverb
\
adverb
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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
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The first known use of prolepsis was in 1578
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