What does "procatalepsis" mean?
A rhetorical exercise in which the speaker raises an objection to his own argument and then immediately answers it, in an attempt to strengthen the argument by dealing with possible counter-arguments.
Procatalepsis
/ˌpɹəʊkætəˈlɛpsɪs/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A rhetorical exercise in which the speaker raises an objection to his own argument and then immediately answers it, in an attempt to strengthen the argument by dealing with possible counter-arguments.
- Grammar: procatalepsis is listed as noun.
- Usage evidence: This long sequence skilfully deploys the rhetorical tropes of procatalepsis and concessio, pre-emption and concession: that is, they concede the accuracy of certain classic attacks on communism, but in ways that redound on their opponents.
How to use "procatalepsis"
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Source and review context
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 A rhetorical exercise in which the speaker raises an objection to his own argument and then immediately answers it, in an attempt to strengthen the argument by dealing with possible counter-arguments. rhetoric
- 2 Rebuttal of anticipated objections. rhetoric
"This long sequence skilfully deploys the rhetorical tropes of procatalepsis and concessio, pre-emption and concession: that is, they concede the accuracy of certain classic attacks on communism, but in ways that redound on their opponents."
- 3 Left dislocation.
Example
"This long sequence skilfully deploys the rhetorical tropes of procatalepsis and concessio, pre-emption and concession: that is, they concede the accuracy of certain classic attacks on communism, but in ways that redound on their opponents."
Common questions
How do you use "procatalepsis" in a sentence?
This long sequence skilfully deploys the rhetorical tropes of procatalepsis and concessio, pre-emption and concession: that is, they concede the accuracy of certain classic attacks on communism, but in ways that redound on their opponents.
How do you pronounce "procatalepsis"?
Pronounced /ˌpɹəʊkætəˈlɛpsɪs/.
Etymology
From Latin procatalepsis (“anticipating and answering an objection”), from Ancient Greek προκατάληψις (prokatálēpsis, “seizing in advance”).