anaphoric

adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌæn.əˈfɔːr.ɪk/

Definition

Referring back to a word or phrase mentioned earlier in a text or conversation to avoid repetition.

Examples

• The pronoun 'she' is anaphoric in the sentence 'Mary arrived, and she sat down.'

• Linguists study how anaphoric expressions help maintain coherence across long paragraphs.

• The term 'the former' acts as an anaphoric reference to the first of two previously mentioned items.

Synonyms of anaphoric

Words with a similar meaning to anaphoric:

• referential
• back-referencing

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