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proleptically

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /prəˈlɛptɪkli/

KK: /pro-ˈlep-ti-k(ə)l-ē/

adverb
Definition

In a way that anticipates or refers to something that will happen in the future.


Example

The author wrote proleptically, hinting at events that would unfold later in the story.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever thought about planning your trip proleptically?
Sloth B
I haven't, but it sounds interesting!
Sloth A
Yeah, it might help us avoid any last-minute surprises.
Sloth B
That's true! I should start thinking ahead more often.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
anticipatorily
forebodingly
predictively
Antonyms
retrospectively
historically
afterward
Root Explanation

Proleptically → It is formed from "prolepsis" (from Greek "prolepsis", meaning anticipation or taking beforehand) and the suffix "-ically" (meaning in a manner relating to). The word "proleptically" refers to doing something in a manner that anticipates or takes into account future events or conditions.

Memory Tip

Think of 'anticipation' ('prolepsis') to remember that 'proleptically' means doing something in a way that considers future events.

Visually Confused Words
hypoleptically
poetically
problematically
prothetically
prophetically
proethnically
epileptically
politically
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