Definition

In a way that refers back to a previous word or phrase in a sentence.

Example

The pronoun was used anaphorically to refer to the noun mentioned earlier.

Conversation

Did you understand how he referenced the book earlier?

Yeah, I found it interesting how he did that.

Right? He used it anaphorically, which really tied everything together.

Exactly! It made his point so much clearer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Anaphorically → It is formed from "ana-" (meaning back or again) and "phor" (from Greek "pherein", meaning to carry) combined with the suffix "-ically" (meaning in a manner). The word describes something that refers back to something previously mentioned, thus carrying the reference back.

Memory Tip

Think of 'carrying back' ('ana-' means back and 'phor' means to carry) to remember that 'anaphorically' refers to referring back to something mentioned earlier.

Visually Confused Words