forward reference
"Forward reference" can be found in both programming and linguistic contexts, where it refers to referencing an element before it is defined or mentioned.
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Definition
C1Computing
(technical)Using a variable, function, or entity before it has been declared or defined.
Example
- The code failed to compile due to a forward reference to a function that was defined later in the script.
C2Linguistics
(academic)Referring to a word or phrase that will be mentioned later in the text or conversation.
Example
- In the sentence 'If you see her, tell Jane I’m looking for her,' 'her' is a forward reference to 'Jane.'
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "forward reference":
set forwardforward echoin futureforward linefast forwardbring forwardmoving forwardlook aheadcarry forward