First Known Use: circa 1589
Dictionary
anaphora
noun anaph·o·ra \ə-ˈna-f(ə-)rə\
Definition of ANAPHORA
1
: repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect <Lincoln's “we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground” is an example of anaphora> — compare epistrophe
2
: use of a grammatical substitute (as a pronoun or a pro-verb) to refer to the denotation of a preceding word or group of words; also : the relation between a grammatical substitute and its antecedent
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Origin of ANAPHORA
Late Latin, from Late Greek, from Greek, act of carrying back, reference, from anapherein to carry back, refer, from ana- + pherein to carry — more at bear
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