hysteron proteron

American  

[his-tuh-ron prot-uh-ron] / ˈhɪs təˌrɒn ˈprɒt əˌrɒn /

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.”

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hysteron proteron British  

/ 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 )

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Etymology

Origin of hysteron proteron

1555–65; < Late Latin < Greek hýsteron (neuter of hýsteros ) latter + próteron (neuter of próteros ) 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 "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

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 History of the Negro Race in America From 1619 to 1880. Vol 1 Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Citizens by Williams, George Washington

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

From The Highlands of Ethiopia by Harris, William Cornwallis

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 The Brothers' War by Reed, John Calvin

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 Falling in Love With Other Essays on More Exact Branches of Science by Allen, Grant