Meaning and pronunciation of the word 'anaphora'

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Part of Speech: Primarily a noun. (Adjective form: anaphoric)

(Rhetoric) The deliberate repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of consecutive clauses, sentences, or lines to create emphasis, rhythm, and emotional impact.
(Linguistics) An expression (like ‘he’, ‘this’, ‘there’) that refers back to another expression (the ‘antecedent’) earlier in the text or discourse. Used to avoid repetition.
(Theology) The specific portion within Christian liturgy (Mass or Divine Liturgy) where the bread and wine are consecrated.

/ænəˈfɔɹə/ (stress on the second syllable: an-ə-FOR-ə)

/ənˈæfəɹə/ (less common variant)

Plural: anaphoras or anaphora (for the noun meaning “plural of anaphor”)
Anaphor: A specific type of anaphora in linguistics, usually a reflexive pronoun or a clitic (like ‘himself’, ‘se’).
Derived Word: Anaphoric (adjective)

In linguistics, “anaphor” and “anaphora” are sometimes used interchangeably, but some linguistic theories draw a finer distinction. Anaphor often refers specifically to reflexive pronouns and reciprocals, while anaphora is the broader function.
As a rhetorical device, it requires identical or very similar initial phrase repetition.

Originates from Ancient Greek ἀναφορά (anaphorá), meaning “a carrying back” or “a reference back”. Made up of ἀνά (aná) (“up”) + φέρω (phérō) (“I carry”). This perfectly captures the linguistic function: referring back to something carried over from earlier in the discourse.
Contrast with Epiphora: Epiphora (epistrophe) is its rhetorical opposite – repeating at the END of clauses/sentences.
Iconic Example: Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech famously uses anaphora: “I have a dream…” repeated at the start of powerful statements.
In linguistics, identifying anaphora helps understand how text connects ideas.

Etymology Link: Connect “ana-” (up/back) + “phora” (“carry”). It carries meaning back to something mentioned earlier.
Remember Epiphora: Their shared “phor” root hints they are opposites.
Identify Patterns: Listen for powerful speech patterns using repeated beginnings. You can’t miss anaphora.
Cataphora means pointing forward.

Category
Example
Meaning Variant

Rhetoric
“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” (Kennedy)
Figure of Speech

Linguistics
The boy laughed because he saw the funny dog. (‘he’ and ‘the funny dog’ show anaphoric reference)
Reference Term

Theology
During the anaphora, the priest recites the Words of Institution.
Liturgical Action

Simple (Rhetoric): We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets…
Medium (Linguistics): In the sentence “Sarah gave her friend a gift,” the pronoun ‘her’ is an anaphoric expression referring back to Sarah.
Complex (Theology & Rhetoric): Theologically, the anaphora, culminating in the epiclesis, represents the critical moment where the gifts are transformed during the Eucharistic Prayer.

Key Synonyms: (Rhetoric) Repetition, tautology (often negative); (Linguistics) Reference, pronoun (specifically referential pronouns).
Key Antonyms: (Rhetoric) Epiphora/Epistrophe (repetition at end), catachresis (misuse); (Linguistics) Cataphora (reference forward).
Common Collocations:
- Use anaphora effectively/beautifully/for emphasis.
- Identifying linguistic anaphora.
- Oeuvre featuring a prominent anaphora.
- The solemn anaphora of the Divine Liturgy.

Cloze: “The ‘__’ star is the brightest object in the nocturnal sky.” (Hint: This is anaphoric reference; what does ‘the’ refer to? – Answer: sun)
Synonym Spotting: Find a synonym for ‘anaphora’ in this list: Antonym, Epiphora, Meanings, Catharsis, Emphasis. (Hint: It’s the rhetorical opposite) – Answer: Epiphora
Generate: Write two sentences using anaphora to describe your plans for the weekend (“This weekend, I plan to…”).
Identify: Does the underlined word function as an anaphor? “When John arrived, he was tired.” (Who is ‘he’? – Answer: Yes, refers back to John)

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