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")

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

Word History

Etymology

Greek prolēpsis, from prolambanein to take beforehand, from pro- before + lambanein to take — more at latch

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above