Definition

Relating to a word or phrase that refers to something mentioned later in a sentence or text.

Example

In the sentence 'When he arrived, John was surprised', 'he' is a cataphoric reference to 'John'.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how some pronouns are cataphoric?

Yeah, it’s interesting how they refer to something that comes later in the sentence.

Exactly! It makes the language feel more dynamic.

I agree, it's a clever way to keep the listener engaged.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cataphoric → It is formed from "cata-" (from Greek "kata", meaning down or against) and "phorikos" (from Greek "pherein", meaning to carry). The term describes a reference that carries forward to something mentioned later in the text.

Memory Tip

Think of 'carrying forward' ('phorikos') a reference that points to something that comes 'down' or later ('cata-'). This helps you remember that cataphoric refers to a word that anticipates something mentioned later.

Visually Confused Words