Definitions

1. adjective

Relating to or denoting a pronoun or phrase that refers back to a preceding expression, especially a phrase in a text or discourse that refers to something that has already been mentioned.

“The cataphoric structure in the poem creates a complex narrative that requires close reading.”

2. noun

A pronoun or phrase that refers back to a preceding expression.

“The cataphoric element in the sentence ‘he, who has been waiting, is finally here’ refers back to the subject ‘he’.”