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?

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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