hysteron proteron

noun

hys·​ter·​on prot·​er·​on ˌhi-stə-ˌrän-ˈprä-tə-ˌrän How to pronounce hysteron proteron (audio)
-tə-rən-ˈprä-tə-rən,
-ˈprȯ-
: a figure of speech consisting of the reversal of a natural or rational order (as in "then came the thunder and the lightning")

Examples of hysteron proteron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In hysteron proteron the logical order or sequence of objects or events is reversed. Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek, literally, (the) later earlier, (the) latter first

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hysteron proteron was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near hysteron proteron

Cite this Entry

“Hysteron proteron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hysteron%20proteron. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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