What does cataphora mean?
Cataphora is a rhetorical device involving reversal: words, phrases, or clauses are presented in an order that differs from the expected or logical sequence, often by moving a later element to an earlier position. In poetry, it can create emphasis, delay the development of meaning, or make a line sound deliberately circular or striking. The term is mainly used by literary critics, rhetoricians, and students of poetic structure, and it carries a specialized rather than everyday connotation. Cataphora should not be confused with anaphora, which repeats the same wording at the beginnings of successive clauses, or with chiasmus, which reverses the order of two parallel structures. Although the term is relatively uncommon, it is useful for describing the deliberate rearrangements that give a poem, speech, or sentence its rhetorical force.
nounA rhetorical figure in which the order of words or clauses is reversed, especially by placing the final words or clause first and the earlier material afterward. It is also called rhetorical inversion.
- The reversal of the normal order of words or clauses, especially in poetry, rhetoric, or literary criticism.
"The final clause repeats the opening words in reverse order, creating a striking cataphora."
"The poem’s closing lines create a cataphora by moving the opening phrase to the end."
"The critic identified a deliberate cataphora in the speech, which placed its final emphasis before its setup."
The plural is used when referring to multiple examples of the rhetorical device.
"The article discusses several cataphoras in the poet’s early work."
Cataphora is rhetoric’s mirror trick: the line reaches back and turns its own opening into its ending.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does cataphora come from?
The word comes from Greek, combining the prefix kata-, meaning down or against, with phora, a form related to pherein, “to carry” or “to bring.” The Greek development was associated with a downward or reversed carrying of words, and English literary usage established the term for rhetorical inversion. Its relatives include anaphora and epiphora, which use the same Greek element meaning carrying or bringing.
How cataphora is actually used
This is primarily a formal term used in literary criticism, rhetoric, and discussions of poetic structure. It is uncommon in everyday conversation but recognized in British and American English.
Easily confused with cataphora
Anaphora repeats a word or phrase at the beginnings of successive clauses, whereas cataphora reverses the order of words or clauses.