hysteron proteron

[ his-tuh-ron prot-uh-ron ]

noun

, Rhetoric.

1. a figure of speech in which the logical order of two elements in discourse is reversed, as in “bred and born” for “born and bred.”

hysteron proteron

/ ˈhɪstəˌrɒn ˈprɒtəˌrɒn /

noun

1. logic a fallacious argument in which the proposition to be proved is assumed as a premise
2. rhetoric a figure of speech in which the normal order of two sentences, clauses, etc, is reversed, as in bred and born ( for born and bred )

Word History and Origins

Origin of hysteron proteron¹

1555–65; < Late Latin < Greek hýsteron (neuter of hýsteros ) latter + próteron (neuter of próteros ) former

Word History and Origins

Origin of hysteron proteron¹

C16: from Late Latin, from Greek husteron proteron the latter (placed as) former

Example Sentences

The repeated “He,” has a sarcastic tone, and the hysteron proteron in the second sentence foregrounds this notion on which the argument turns: Is pride really a bad thing?

From Literature

The fathers, with the usual undiscernment of contemporaries, by a most natural hysteron proteron conceived the latter union to be the work, product, and result of the constitution.

From Project Gutenberg

His only rule is that of hysteron proteron, or putting the cart before the horse.

From Project Gutenberg

This is one of the finest instances on record of the popular figure which grammarians call the hysteron proteron, and ordinary folk describe as putting the cart before the horse.

From Project Gutenberg

To say that the name was invented to degrade the race, some of whose members were reduced to slavery, is to be guilty of what in grammar is called a hysteron proteron.

From Project Gutenberg