prolepsis
noun
pro·lep·sis
prō-ˈlep-səs 
plural prolepses
prō-ˈlep-ˌsēz
: 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")
Examples of prolepsis in a Sentence
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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
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Christine Smallwood, Harper's magazine, 16 Sep. 2019
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Cite this Entry
“Prolepsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prolepsis. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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