Definition

A word or phrase that refers back to another word or phrase mentioned earlier in a sentence or conversation.

Example

In the sentence 'Maria lost her keys, and she can't find them', 'she' is an anaphor that refers to 'Maria'.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about the term anaphor in grammar?

Yeah, I think it refers to words that refer back to something previously mentioned, right?

Exactly! It makes sentences clearer and helps avoid repetition.

Totally! Using an anaphor can really improve writing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Anaphor → It is formed from "ana-" (meaning back or again) and "phor" (from Greek "pherein", meaning to carry). The word "anaphor" refers to a linguistic element that carries back to a previously mentioned entity in discourse.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'carries back' ('ana-') to a previous mention ('phor') — that's what an anaphor does in language.

Visually Confused Words