Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
apophasis
Noun
/ˌæp.əˈfæ.sɪs/
Definition
The mention of something in the context of denying it or claiming it is not worth discussing.
Examples
- In his speech, the politician used apophasis when he said, “I won’t even mention the scandal to distract from my policies.”
- The author’s use of apophasis added an intriguing layer of irony to the narrative.
Meaning
Apophasis is a rhetorical device where the speaker brings up a subject by denying that it should be brought up.
Synonyms
- Paralepsis
- Preterition
- Omission
