Pronunciation: [kˈatɐfˌɔːɹə] (IPA) 
Cataphora (/kəˈtæfərə/) is a linguistic term, derived from Greek, used to refer to a literary or rhetorical device that refers to a noun or pronoun before it appears in a sentence. The word "cataphora" is spelled with a hard "c" rather than a soft "c" due to the Greek origin of the word. The "ph" in the middle of the word is pronounced as /f/, and the final "a" is pronounced as /ə/, indicating the unstressed syllable.
Cataphora refers to a specific linguistic phenomenon that involves the use of a pronoun or other grammatical element at the beginning of a sentence, clause, or phrase to refer to a later, more specific element. In other words, it is the use of an anticipatory reference, where the pronoun or word precedes the actual noun or phrase it refers to. Cataphora essentially refers to the opposite of anaphora, which involves using a pronoun or other grammatical element to refer back to an earlier, more general element.
The term "cataphora" comes from the Greek words "kata" meaning "down" or "backward" and "phora" meaning "bearing" or "carrying," reflecting the idea of carrying forward a linguistic element. This linguistic device serves to establish coherence and cohesion in a text or conversation by allowing the speaker or writer to refer to or anticipate a specific element and then elaborate on it later. By introducing the element in advance, cataphora also creates a sense of expectancy and draws attention to the forthcoming element.
Cataphora can be found in various forms of written and spoken language, including literature, advertising, journalism, and everyday conversations. It aids in maintaining clarity, cohesion, and the logical flow of information in a sentence or text. By using cataphoric references, writers and speakers can provide important contextual information, highlight a specific aspect, or create a desired effect, such as surprise or suspense. Overall, cataphora is a powerful linguistic tool that plays a fundamental role in shaping the structure and meaning of sentences and discourse.
Semicoma, or somnolence interrupted by intervals of partial consciousness; coma somnolentium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cataphora" derives from the Greek word "kataphora" (κατάφορά). It is formed by combining the prefix "kata" (κατά) meaning "down" or "towards" and the noun "phora" (φορά) meaning "carrying" or "bearing". Thus, "cataphora" literally translates to "carrying down" or "bringing forward".
