preterition: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Technical (Rhetoric/Theology/Law)
Quick answer
What does “preterition” mean?
The act of passing over or omitting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of passing over or omitting; a rhetorical device where a speaker mentions something by stating they will not mention it.
In theology, the passing over of the non-elect; in law, the omission of a rightful heir from a will.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in British academic theological contexts.
Connotations
Highly formal, intellectual, sometimes archaic.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. Almost exclusively found in specialist discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “preterition” in a Sentence
[subject] engages in preterition of [object]the preterition of [something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “preterition” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The speaker cleverly preterited the most damaging allegations.
- His argument preterits the central contradiction.
American English
- The politician preterited the issue of campaign finance.
- The author preterits key events to build suspense.
adverb
British English
- He referred to the scandal preteritively, heightening its impact.
- The point was made preteritively.
American English
- She mentioned her rival preteritively, ensuring everyone noticed.
- The criticism was delivered preteritively.
adjective
British English
- The preteritive clause in the will was challenged.
- He used a preteritive rhetorical strategy.
American English
- A preteritive statement can be more powerful than a direct accusation.
- The doctrine has preteritive aspects.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, rhetorical studies, theology (Calvinist doctrine), and legal history.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Precise term in the fields of rhetoric and systematic theology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “preterition”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “preterition”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “preterition”
- Confusing it with 'preterite' (a grammatical tense).
- Using it in informal contexts.
- Mispronouncing it as /priːˈtɛrɪʃən/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Omission' is a general term for leaving something out. 'Preterition' implies a deliberate, often strategic or rhetorical, act of omission, frequently while drawing attention to the very thing being omitted.
Yes, though rare. The verb form is 'to preterit' (e.g., 'He preterited the controversial details'). It is highly formal and specialist.
Yes, etymologically. Both come from Latin 'praeterire' (to go past). 'Preterite' went past in time; 'preterition' goes past by omission. They are cognates but modern meanings are distinct.
Almost exclusively in advanced academic texts on rhetoric, literary analysis, Calvinist theology, or historical legal documents. It is not a word for general communication.
The act of passing over or omitting.
Preterition is usually formal, literary, technical (rhetoric/theology/law) in register.
Preterition: in British English it is pronounced /ˌprɛtəˈrɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌprɛdəˈrɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to commit a preterition”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'pre-' (before) + 'ter-' (as in 'territory', a place) + '-ition' (an action): the action of putting something 'before' its proper place, i.e., setting it aside or omitting it.
Conceptual Metaphor
OMISSION IS A DELIBERATE PATH NOT TAKEN. The word conceptualises not doing something as a positive, chosen act.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'preterition' a precise technical term?