Definitions

1. noun

The act of introducing an explanation or comment before it is needed in the normal course of events, often for emphasis or clarity

“The professor’s prolepsis at the beginning of the lecture helped students understand the historical context of the material.”

2. noun

A statement or remark that anticipates or explains a future event or situation

“The news article’s prolepsis about the impending economic downturn influenced investors’ decisions.”

3. noun

A rhetorical device in which a statement or phrase is placed before its proper position in the sentence or discourse

“The writer’s use of prolepsis in the opening sentence added drama to the narrative.”

4. verb

To introduce or state something before its proper place in the sequence of events

“The historian proleptically placed the event in its historical context to provide clarity.”