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prolepsis

noun

/proʊˈlɛp sɪs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of prolepsis

The act of addressing or refuting potential arguments or objections before they are even presented.
"The politician used prolepsis to address potential criticisms of his policy proposal."

Detailed meaning of prolepsis

It allows speakers or writers to preemptively acknowledge opposing viewpoints or objections and respond to them proactively. By incorporating prolepsis, one can strengthen their argument by demonstrating awareness and thoughtful consideration of potential criticisms or counterpoints. Prolepsis serves to address and neutralize potential objections or doubts, allowing the speaker or writer to present a more persuasive and comprehensive argument. In literature and storytelling, prolepsis can also refer to the anticipation or foreshadowing of future events or developments, offering readers or listeners glimpses or hints of what is to come. Overall, prolepsis is a rhetorical tool that helps engage and convince the audience by preemptively addressing and rebutting potential opposing viewpoints or objections.

Example sentences containing prolepsis

1. The lawyer skillfully employed prolepsis to counter the opposing counsel's argument.
2. In his speech, the CEO employed prolepsis to address concerns about the company's financial stability.
3. The author's use of prolepsis in the novel added suspense and intrigue to the storyline.
4. The debater strategically used prolepsis to preemptively refute the opponent's anticipated arguments.
5. The professor encouraged her students to incorporate prolepsis in their persuasive essays.
6. The speaker's effective use of prolepsis helped build credibility and persuasiveness.

History and etymology of prolepsis

The noun 'prolepsis' has its etymological roots in the Greek word 'πρόληψις' (prolepsis), derived from 'πρό' (pro), meaning 'before,' and 'λαμβάνω' (lambanō), meaning 'to take' or 'to seize.' In ancient Greek rhetoric and argumentation, a 'prolepsis' referred to the act of addressing or refuting potential arguments or objections before they were even presented by one's opponents. It involved anticipating and countering opposing viewpoints in advance. The term 'prolepsis' was later adopted into Latin as 'prolepsis,' retaining its fundamental meaning. In modern contexts, 'prolepsis' is used in discourse and argumentation to preemptively address and respond to potential counterarguments or objections, emphasizing the ability to anticipate and consider opposing viewpoints in a comprehensive and persuasive manner.

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Further usage examples of prolepsis

1. The marketing campaign utilized prolepsis to address potential customer doubts and objections.
2. The prolepsis in the movie trailer provided tantalizing hints about the upcoming plot twists.
3. The playwright employed prolepsis to foreshadow a tragic event later in the play.
4. The writer used prolepsis to build tension by revealing a future conflict in the opening scene.
5. The advertisement's prolepsis cleverly anticipated consumer concerns and provided reassurance.
6. In his persuasive speech, he used prolepsis to anticipate and counter critics' arguments.
7. The attorney's prolepsis skillfully addressed the jury's potential doubts.
8. Effective prolepsis can preemptively answer questions in a presentation.
9. Her essay demonstrated a strong grasp of prolepsis to preempt objections.
10. The politician employed prolepsis to undermine opponents' arguments.
11. The debate team's prolepsis strategy left their rivals struggling.
12. Prolepsis can be a valuable rhetorical tool in persuasive writing.
13. The professor encouraged students to use prolepsis in their essays.
14. In his speech, he used prolepsis to disarm critics before they spoke.
15. The speaker's prolepsis anticipated and dismantled potential objections.
16. The debate coach taught the students how to employ prolepsis effectively.
17. Prolepsis in the thesis statement laid the groundwork for the argument.
18. The author's use of prolepsis enhanced the clarity of the narrative.
19. By using prolepsis, the speaker established credibility and trust.
20. Effective prolepsis can make a persuasive case more compelling.
21. In legal arguments, prolepsis can strengthen one's position.
22. The editor suggested adding prolepsis to preempt reader confusion.
23. The debater's prolepsis tactics swayed the judges in her favor.
24. The debrief included prolepsis to address anticipated concerns.
25. Prolepsis can be a valuable rhetorical device in argumentative essays.