prolepsis

noun

pro·lep·sis prō-ˈlep-səs

plural prolepses prō-ˈlep-ˌsēz

: anticipation: such as

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

: 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")

proleptic

prō-ˈlep-tik

adjective

proleptically

prō-ˈlep-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Examples of prolepsis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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Usually prolepsis is used to make an ending more tidy by resolving plotlines and squaring futures neatly away. —