anthypophora
|an-thy-po-pho-ra|
/ˌænθɪpəˈfɔːrə/
pose and answer a question
Etymology
'anthypophora' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anthypophoría' (ἀνθυποφορία), where 'anti-' (ἀντί) meant 'against' or 'in return' and 'hypophora' related to 'a response' or 'bearing (a reply)'.
'anthypophora' appeared in rhetorical and scholarly Latin usage (late Latin/medieval rhetorical texts) as 'anthypophora' and was carried into English with little formal change, preserving its rhetorical sense.
Initially, it referred to a counter-response or reply; over time it evolved into the more specific rhetorical sense of 'a device in which a speaker poses a question and immediately answers it.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a rhetorical device in which a speaker or writer poses a question and then immediately answers it; often used to introduce and then resolve an anticipated objection or counterargument.
The politician used anthypophora to dismiss the opposition's likely criticism: 'Some will say it's too expensive — but here's why it's necessary.'
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/24 04:15