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Prefiguring: meaning, definitions and examples

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prefiguring

 

[ ˈprɛfɪɡərɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

future events

Prefiguring refers to the act of suggesting, indicating, or foreshadowing something that will happen in the future. It often involves the use of symbols or signs to hint at what is to come. This term is commonly used in literature, art, and philosophy to denote the way past events or elements can serve as a template for future occurrences. Understanding prefiguring can enhance one's appreciation of narrative techniques and thematic development in various forms of expression.

Synonyms

anticipating, foreshadowing, foretelling, presaging, signifying

Examples of usage

  • The author's use of imagery is prefiguring the tragic end.
  • In the play, the storm clouds are prefiguring the impending conflict.
  • The protagonist’s dreams are prefiguring the choices they must make.
  • The initial scenes are prefiguring the larger themes of the story.
  • Subtle hints throughout the chapter are prefiguring a twist in the plot.

Translations

Translations of the word "prefiguring" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prefiguração

🇮🇳 पूर्ववर्ती

🇩🇪 Vorahnung

🇮🇩 prapenggambaran

🇺🇦 попередження

🇵🇱 przyporządkowanie

🇯🇵 予測する

🇫🇷 préfiguration

🇪🇸 prefiguración

🇹🇷 önceden belirleme

🇰🇷 예고

🇸🇦 التخطيط المسبق

🇨🇿 předpověď

🇸🇰 predpovedanie

🇨🇳 预示

🇸🇮 predfiguracija

🇮🇸 forsjá

🇰🇿 алдын ала болжам

🇬🇪 წინასწარმეტყველება

🇦🇿 öncədən proqnozlaşdırma

🇲🇽 prefiguración

Word origin

The term 'prefiguring' is derived from the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and the verb 'figure' which has Latin origins through the Old French 'figurer,' meaning 'to form, shape, or represent'. This construction primarily implies the action of forming or representing something before it actually occurs. The concept of prefiguring has been essential in various forms of storytelling and artistic expression as it allows creators to build anticipation and create connections between different elements of their works. Over time, the notion of prefiguring has evolved to encompass broader themes of prediction and symbolism, becoming a significant aspect of philosophical discourse as well.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,243, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.